Crime

Twenty-five-year-old Kidder was executed in front of Maidstone Goal

Maidstone (HM Prison)

HM Prison Maidstone is a Category C men's prison, located in Maidstone, Kent, England. The prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service.-History:...

 at 12 noon on 2 April 1868, following her conviction on 12 March for murder. It was alleged that she had drowned her 11-year-old stepdaughter, Louisa Kidder-Staples, in a ditch. The jury, directed by Mr Justice Byles

John Barnard Byles

Sir John Barnard Byles was a British barrister, judge and author of books on law and the economy. He published an influential text on bills of exchange in 1829, commonly referred to as "Byles on Bills".-Early life:...

, returned their verdict in only 12 minutes.

Around 2,000 people, including Kidder's husband, are reported to have witnessed the execution performed by hangman William Calcraft

William Calcraft

William Calcraft was the most famous English hangman of the 19th century. One of the most prolific British executioners of all time, it is estimated that he carried out 450 executions during his 45-year career...

.