Margaret Waters
Margaret Waters, otherwise known as Willis,[1] was an English serial killer hanged by executioner William Calcraft on 11 October 1870 at Horsemonger Lane Gaol (also known as Surrey County Gaol) in London.
Margaret Waters | |
|---|---|
| Born | Margaret Waters 1835 |
| Died | 11 October 1870 (aged 34–35) |
| Cause of death | Execution |
| Other names | Willis |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Details | |
| Victims | 19 |
| Country | England |
| State(s) | Brixton |
Waters was born in 1835 and lived in Brixton.[2] She was known for baby farming, that is, taking in other women's children for money; a practice often resulting in infanticide.
Waters drugged and starved the infants in her care and is believed to have killed at least 19 children.[2] Charged with five counts of wilful murder as well as neglect and conspiracy, Waters was convicted of murdering an infant named John Walter Cowen. Her sister, Sarah Ellis, was convicted in the same case for obtaining money under false pretences and sentenced to eighteen months' hard labour.
References
- "Baby Farming". Illustrated Police News (331). London, England: The British Newspaper Archive. 16 June 1870.
- Newton, Michael (2006). The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers. Infobase Publishing. p. 428. ISBN 9780816069873. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
- Horsemonger Lane Gaol at the Wayback Machine (archived 4 October 2006)