Murder of Eliza Mary Bowen

 In 1898 or 1899 Richard Wigley, a butcher, would meet Eliza Mary Bowen. In June of 1900, Eliza had gone to live in a man's home and while there became really close with Richard Wiggle. Eventually, he would procure lodgings for her in Shrewsbury, England. At the time the reason he gave was in order for Eliza to be able to have a place to mend her clothes and get her things together until she moved on to another place. By then 54/53-year-old Richard had been separated from his wife and would frequently visit 27/28-year-old Eliza. 

However, the 28-year-old  had left that home and moved back to the Red Lion Inn in Westbury. She was trying to break off things with Richard. It was said that they were still on friendly terms.

On November 30, 1901, Richard got up early and walked 10 miles from his home in Shrewsbury to The Lion Inn where Mary was. Eliza was a barmaid for the Inn and when Richard arrived he drank. She would serve him several glasses. 

He would eventually be seen with his arms around and Eliza cried out, "Man, what do you mean?" She would then ask a servant to fetch a policeman, but she successfully released herself from him so no one went to get an officer. 

She would then go and retrieve some wine. Richard would follow her and she would call for the servant to take the alcohol. Richard would place his left arm around her neck and with his right, he pulled out a knife he had hidden in his pocket to her neck. 

The other servant girl witnessed this and ran to get help. When she and a blacksmith got back to the hotel Eliza was on the doorstep with her throat bloodied. Richard would come out and say "I've done it, lads, for love." He may have left a note for Eliza's sister in the kitchen stating the same that he did it for love.

When the police came he stated the same thing that he had done it for love. When asked for his plead he stated " I don't know what I was doing that morning." To which the judge took as a plea of not guilty. During the trial, he was found guilty and was set for execution.

On March 18, 1902, 54-year-old Richard Wigley was executed. He showed penitence for the murder even stating he had no idea how he could have done it. He had eaten a good breakfast and walked steadily to the scaffold. 

SOURCES:

British Executions

Murder Research

Liver Pool Daily Post December 2, 1901

Western Gazette December 11, 1901

The Uttoxeter New Era, and General Advertiser December 11, 1901

Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser February 18, 1902

The Wells Journal March 06, 1902

The Nottingham Evening Post March 18,1902