Of Mary Ann Cotton interest:
A Collection of Letters and a Photograph, comprising:
-A contemporary portrait photograph of Cotton, stamped to reverse John Stoddart, Photographer, Shaw Wood Gardens, Durham and hand inscribed M A Cotton, 10.2cm x 6.5cm
-Letter from George Smith of Bishop Auckland to Cotton in Durham Jail, dated February 1873, blue envelope
-Letter from Charles Murray, Stockton-on-Tees, to Geo. Hedley, dated 24th Feb. 1873, promising to find a good defence counsel for Cotton
-Letter to Cotton, indistinctly signed, dated 22nd Feb. 1873, regarding selling her possessions
-Letter to Cotton, postmarked Feb 12th 1873 informing her that Mr Blackwell received her letter and that he has been retained by Mr Smith, acting for Mr Chapman solicitor, to defend her. Indistinctly signed (Hedley?) Elson Square, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, black edged envelope
-Letter from Geo. Smith, Bishop Auckland, to Mr Murray stating that either he or Mr Blackwell will defend her, blue paper
-Letter dated 27th Feb. 1873 promising money raised by a committee to pay for defence
-Letter to Cotton from William & Sarah Edwards, West Auckland, wishing her well and reassuring her that her daughter is being cared for
-Letter from Matthew Neale, dated March 21st 1873 to Cotton (9)

Mary Ann Cotton was found guilty of murdering, by poisoning, three of her husbands and is strongly suspected of also murdering 11 of her children. She was hanged on the 24th March 1873 at Durham Jail.

Provenance: By descent, ancestor of vendor was Matron at Durham Jail



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