George Gilchrist

Commentary

This execution notice begins: 'Full, True, and Particular Account of the EXECUTION of George Gilchrist, at the head of Libberton's Wynd, on the morning of the third of August, 1831, for the robbery of the Princes Regent, Edinburgh Coach . . . . —the whole by an eye witness.'

This is one of a number of broadsides held by the National Library of Scotland covering this sensational case. Often, the number of broadsides produced reveals the importance of the case. It is important, however, to also remember that the extant quantities may not be a true representation of the original numbers. Many of these broadsides have survived because they were actively collected by enthusiastic people. As a result, the collections reflect that person's interests and means.

Reports recounting dark and salacious deeds were popular with the public, and, like today's sensationalist tabloids, sold in large numbers. Crimes could generate sequences of sheets covering descriptive accounts, court proceedings, last words, lamentations and executions as they occurred. As competition was fierce, immediacy was paramount, and these occasions provided an opportunity for printers and patterers to maximise sales.