Key Object Page

Letter Opener

This letter opener is made from wood taken from William Hare’s house. On the item the inscription “made from wood from Hare’s house who murdered “Daft Jamie” in West Port of Edinburgh 1828. Burke hanged in January 1829. This letter opener would have been sold during the trial of Burke and Hare, playing on the sensationalised media. ‘Daft Jamie’ was a crucial victim and is often seen as one of the key factors in the capture of Burke and Hare. He was an 18 year old disabled man, who frequented the Grassmarket area. Jamie disappeared and shortly afterwards his body reappeared in Robert Knox’s dissection class. Many students instantly recognised him, both by his face and a foot deformity. Knox denied that the body was Jamie and began to dissect the body quickly, focusing on the most recognisable features first.