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Three graveyard watch houses, London, 1926-1927. Artist: Whiffin
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Three graveyard watch houses, London, 1926-1927. Artist: Whiffin
Three graveyard watch houses, London, 1926-1927. Graveyard watch houses at Thames Street and Giltspur Street, (above), and at Rotherhithe (below). These buildings were constructed in an attempt to prevent body snatching which was a serious problem in 19th-century London. Medical students needed corpses for dissection and would pay with no questions asked. Illustration from Wonderful London, edited by Arthur St John Adcock, Volume I, published by Amalgamated Press, (London, 1926-1927)
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Media ID 14937891
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Adcock Arthur St John Arthur St John Adcock Giltspur Street Graveyard John Adcock Photogravure Rotherhithe Thames Street Whiffin Wonderful London Body Snatching
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the haunting presence of three graveyard watch houses in London, dating back to 1926-1927. These unique structures were built as a response to the grave issue of body snatching that plagued 19th-century London. The city's medical students, desperate for cadavers for dissection purposes, would pay exorbitant amounts without asking any questions. The image showcases two watch houses located at Thames Street and Giltspur Street above ground level, while another one can be seen below ground level at Rotherhithe. Constructed with meticulous attention to detail, these buildings served as a deterrent against those who sought to steal bodies from graves. Published in the renowned volume "Wonderful London" edited by Arthur St John Adcock and published by Amalgamated Press in 1926-1927, this photogravure illustration offers a glimpse into the architectural history of early 20th-century Britain. The monochrome aesthetic adds an air of mystery and timelessness to the scene. Whiffin's artistic vision beautifully captures not only the external appearance but also conveys the eerie atmosphere surrounding these watch houses. This thought-provoking photograph serves as a reminder of London's dark past and its constant struggle against crime during that era. As we delve into this historical artifact preserved by The Print Collector, we are transported back in time to witness an integral part of London's architectural heritage intertwined with its battle against illicit activities like body snatching.
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