Robert Browning, aged 25, lived with his parents and brother and worked as a tailor in Covent Garden, just off Mill Road. Browning was also known in the area as being a heavy drinker and liked the company of women.
Midsummer Common |
It was at half-past eight when
Browning left his brother's company and returned home for supper. While at home
his mother noticed he was a little on edge and advised him to go to bed, but
instead he picked up a cut-throat razor and placed it in his jacket pocket
before leaving.
While he was at the Four Lamps he
met two girls. One was Emma Rolfe, aged 16. Both Emma and Browning left without
the company of the other girl and went to an area of Midsummer Common called
Butt's Green.
Browning left the scene and went to
the Garrick Inn. It was reported while he was there that some of the
people came
concerned about his unusual behaviour.
Emma Rolfe's grave in Mill Road Cemetery |
After leaving the Inn and walking
towards home he came face to face with PC Wheel who was patrolling in the area.
The moment Browning saw Wheel he gave himself up saying he had killed a
woman.
At first PC Wheel did not believe
him so Browning took him to where Emma's body lay and he handed him the blood
stained razor.
When he was taken into custody
Browning said he had killed her because she had stolen a shilling from him, but
no money was found.
Later Browning wrote a statement
saying he had gone out intending to kill a girl he had been to Royston with
because she had given him a disease.
At his trial on the 29th
November 1876 Browning made no effort to defend himself and he was sentenced to
death.
Just before 8am on the
15th December 1876 Browning was hanged.
These article may also be of interest: Murder at King's College
Shop of Secrets
The Last Execution in Cambridgeshire
These article may also be of interest: Murder at King's College
Shop of Secrets
The Last Execution in Cambridgeshire