Resurrection Man
11th March 2019One of the less reputable trades in the Georgian period was Resurrectionists - body-snatchers.
A large and growing interest in anatomy led to the opening of many 'Medical Schools' holding pay-to-view anatomy lessons. The popularity became such that the supply of available bodies was totally inadequate.
In a good capitalist society, no moneymaking niche goes unfilled so an illicit trade in dead bodies sprang up. A good quality adult corpse could be sold for the princely sum of 4 guineas. When you consider that the menial labourer would only earn this much in a year, the attraction becomes obvious.
By a stroke of good fortune, we have a diary kept by one of these gentlemen - one Joseph Naples. Although terse in style it provides some fascinating insights into this most dubious of professions.
You can find it here or under Resources/People and Business in the main menu.