1721: Matthew Clark Hanged at 24 for the Murder of a Maid Near Willesden Green
Matthew Clark, a footpad from St. Albans, murdered Sarah Goldington, a maid at an alehouse near Willesden Green, stabbing her in the throat and cutting her neck to the bone before robbing the premises. He was 24 years old. Pursuers caught him shortly after when they noticed blood on his shirt sleeve, and he confessed before standing trial at the Old Bailey.
Clark was executed on 28 July 1721. His capture came swiftly, his guilt established by blood on his sleeve and his own words against him.
