Anatomy of murder

Over 170 years ago two Irishmen began a killing spree — and then sold the corpses. Michael Brennan reports.

IT was the actions of two errant Irishmen, known as the Body Snatchers, who shaped the 172-year-old anatomy legislation we still have today.

William Burke, from the former barony of Orrery in Co Cork, had come to Edinburgh in disgrace after deserting his Irish wife and children.