Amelia Dyer

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Amelia dyer1893

Amelia Dyer (1837 – 10 June 1896) was one of the most infamous serial killers in British history, known for her role as a baby farmer. The practice of baby farming involved taking in infants for a fee, which was a common practice in the late 19th century due to the social stigma of illegitimacy and the lack of effective birth control. Dyer turned this practice into a lucrative and deadly business, leading to the deaths of an unknown number of infants and children.

Early Life

Amelia Dyer was born in 1837 in Pyle Marsh, now part of Bristol, England. The details of her early life are sparse, but it is known that she trained as a nurse before turning to baby farming as a way to make money. This career change was partly due to the financial and social opportunities it presented at a time when options for women were severely limited.

Career in Baby Farming

Dyer advertised her services in newspapers, offering to adopt or take in children for a fee. To unsuspecting parents and guardians, she presented herself as a respectable married woman who could provide a loving home for their children. However, the reality was far darker. Many of the infants in her care were neglected and starved, while others were murdered outright. Dyer used various methods to kill her charges, including strangulation and overdose.

Investigations and Arrest

Suspicion eventually fell on Dyer after a doctor noticed the high death rate of infants in her care and refused to issue more death certificates. The turning point came in 1896 when the body of an infant was discovered in the Thames, leading to a police investigation. The evidence pointed to Dyer, and she was arrested and charged with murder.

Trial and Execution

Amelia Dyer's trial was a sensation, drawing attention to the grim realities of baby farming. She was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. On 10 June 1896, Dyer was hanged at Newgate Prison, marking the end of one of the most chilling chapters in the history of British crime.

Legacy

The case of Amelia Dyer highlighted the desperate need for social reform, particularly in the areas of child welfare and adoption. It led to increased scrutiny of baby farming and eventually to more stringent adoption laws in the United Kingdom. Dyer's story remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of the poor and the lengths to which individuals might go to exploit them.

See Also

• Serial killer
• Victorian era
• Child welfare

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