The Family Tree of Dr Pritchard

The trial of Dr. Edward William Pritchard took place from 3^rd to 7^th July 1865 before the High Court of Justiciary at Edinburgh.  He was subsequently charged with the murder, by poisoning, of both his wife and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Taylor, within his house, Clarence Place, 131 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, in the preceding February and March.

Three weeks after his conviction, in the last public hanging in Glasgow, Pritchard was punished for his crimes.   One of four notorious cases discussed in Jack House’s book ‘Square Mile of Murder’ (1961), it is a story that still holds a terrible fascination. 

Join librarian, Susan Taylor, to learn more about the deadly bedside manner of ‘The Human Crocodile’, featuring local history sources and family history materials from the Mitchell Library’s Special Collections department.

Sauchiehall Street: Culture and Heritage District is a bold 10-year plan to renew Sauchiehall Street. With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund UK-wide Heritage Places programme, and in partnership with Glasgow City Council, this initial discovery phase is working with cultural organisations, businesses and communities to celebrate the past and plan for the future by: 

·       Uncovering its roots: examining the stories that shaped Sauchiehall Street’s history. 

·       Animating the streets: hosting events and activities that bring people together. 

·       Renewing its charm: revitalising historic buildings to sustain our communities. 

Sauchiehall Street is the spine of the project, bookended by the Mitchell Library and The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The project also takes in the adjacent streets: Bath Street and Renfrew Street, as well as the Garnethill community. Activities as part of this phase will run until June 2025, setting the stage for a long-term revival of the area.