Items linked to Red Barn murder in Suffolk sold for £12,000
A Suffolk museum lost out on winning the auction
A Suffolk museum has announced that it was unsuccessful in its bid to acquire historically significant documents related to the infamous Red Barn Murder at auction.
Despite going to auction with more than double the high-end estimate, Moyse's Hall Museum was unable to outbid the winner when the final selling price reached £12,500 (£16,510 with premiums included).
The museum expressed gratitude to local organisations and individuals whose donations helped amass a substantial bidding pot. Contributions came from The Bury Society, Bury St Edmunds Tours, The Friends of Moyse’s Hall Museum, as well as West Suffolk Council, alongside numerous private donors.
The auction was for a rare collection of first-hand evidence related to the 1827 Red Barn Murder, committed by William Corder in Polstead.
A young woman, Maria Marten, was shot dead by her lover William Corder at the Red Barn, a local landmark. The two had arranged to meet before eloping to Ipswich.
The documents included Corder's handwritten defence statement from his trial, correspondence with family members, and additional contextual letters.
These papers offer a unique glimpse into Corder's mindset and narrative during a case that captured significant public attention due to its elements of intrigue, drama, and gothic horror.
The museum has a collection of artefacts from the Red Barn Murder including two books covered in the skin of murderer William Corder.
Moyse's Hall Museum congratulated the auction's winner and extended an invitation for future collaboration.