Museum Displays Second Book Bound in Murderer's Skin

A second book bound in the skin of 19th-century murderer William Corder has been discovered and is now on display at Moyse’s Hall Museum in Suffolk, alongside a similar volume that has been exhibited since the 1930s. Both books are linked to the infamous Red Barn Murder of 1827, in which Corder killed Maria Marten, with his execution and the subsequent use of his skin to bind books capturing public fascination for nearly two centuries. The newly found book, unlike the first, features human skin only on its spine and corners and had been overlooked in the museum's collection for years. The display has sparked debate, with some, like Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, describing the artifacts as 'sickening' and disrespectful, while museum staff argue they are important windows into history and provoke necessary debate about uncomfortable past practices. The Red Barn Murder continues to inspire popular culture, with its story reinterpreted in songs, plays, and television. Museum representatives emphasize the educational value in confronting and openly discussing such contentious historical artifacts.