Exhumation of remains of John Hampden.

Date:
[1828]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Exhumation of remains of John Hampden. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    Cbalgrave, whea Coionel Hampden discharged his pistol at his 1 adversary, that his adversary’s ball might wound him in the shoulder ; for he was soon after observed, as stated, by Sir Philip Warwick, “ with his head hanging down, and his hands leaning upon his horse’s neck.” in order to corroborate or disprove the different statements relative to his having been wounded in the shoulder, a close examination ef each took place. The clavicle of the right shoulder was firmly united to the scapula, nor did there appear any contusion or Indentation that evinced symptoms of any wound ever having been inflicted. The left shoulder, on the contrary, was smaller and sunken in, as if the clavicle had been displaced. To remove all doubts, it was adjudged necessary to remove the arms, which were amputated with a penknife. The socket of the left arm was perfectly white and healthy, and the clavicle firmly united to the scapula, nor was there the least appearance of contusion or wound. The socket of the right shoulder, on the contrary, was of a brownish cast, and the clavicle being found quite loose and dis- united from the scapula, proved that dislocation had taken place. The bones, however, were quite perfect. Such dislocation, therefore, must have arisen either freos the farce of a ball, or from Colonel Hampden having fallen from his horse, when he lust the power of holding the reigns by reason of his hand hav- ing been so dreadfully shattered. The latter, in all probability, was the case, as it would be barely possible for a ball to pass through the shoulder without some fracture. In order to examine the head and hair, the body was raised up and supported with a shovel; on removing the cloths which adhered firmly to the back of the head, we found the hair ic a complete state of preservation. It waS a dark auburn colour, and, according to the custom of the times, was very long—from five to six inches. It was drawn up and tied round at the top of tke head with black thread or silk. The ends had the appear- ance ef having been cut off. On taking hold of the topknot, it soon gave way, and came off like a wig. Here a singular scene presented itself. The worm of corrup- tion was busily employed, the skull in some places being per- fectly bare, whilst in others the skin remained nearly entire, | upsn which we discovered a number of maggots and small red worms on the feed with great activity. This was the only ! spot where any symptom of life was apparent, as if the brain contained a vital principle within it, which engendered its own destruction ; otherwise, how can we account, after a lapse ef near two centuries, in finding living creatures preying upon th* seat of intellect, when they were nowhere else to be found, in no other part of the body. He was five feet nine inches in height, apparently of great muscular strength, of a vigorous and robust frame; forehead broad and high; the skull alto- gether well formed, such an one as the imagination would con- ceive capable ef great exploits. Here l ctose the narrative—one of singular interest to those who were eye-witnesses of the examination, which presented a scene so novel, to ghastly, but at the same time so full of moment, that it will ever prove a memorable event in the short era of our lives. We recalled to mind the virtuous i actions of the deceased ; hi* manly defense against the tyranny i of the Star Chamber ; his abandonment of every social and domestic tie for the glorious cause of freedom ; and whilst we gazed upon his remains, remembered, that that voice which was once raised on behalf of his country, had contributed iD no small measure to pave the way for the blessings of liberty, which, but for his warning, might to this day have been with- held from an enlightened people. As one of the reports of the day, we may mention, that it is said L®rd Nugent will occupy his leisure during the Parliamentary recess, by dra ving up an account of the famous Hirapden from authentic papers never before published. The battle of Cbalgrave-field was fought on the 18th Of June, 1G43. Mr. Hampden died on the 24th, and was buried on the 25th, as stated In the parish register. Sir W. Dugdale men- tions several instances where persona of rank were interred the day after their decease. [Notwithstanding the circumstantial nature of the above rela- tion, which evidently came from a person present at the ex- humation, some doubt is entertained whether the remains ex- amined were those ef the great John Hampden, or of lome member of bis family.]