Fanny Adams

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British murder victim

Fanny Adams (30 April 1859 – 24 August 1867) was an eight-year-old girl who was murdered in Alton, Hampshire, England. Her tragic death led to the popular British phrase "Sweet Fanny Adams" or "Sweet FA," which means "nothing at all."

Early Life

Fanny Adams was born on 30 April 1859 in Alton, a market town in Hampshire, England. She was the daughter of George Adams, a bricklayer, and Harriet Adams. Fanny had two younger siblings, Lizzie and Harry.

Murder

On 24 August 1867, Fanny Adams was playing with her friends, Minnie Warner and Lizzie Adams, near their home in Alton. They were approached by Frederick Baker, a 24-year-old solicitor's clerk. Baker offered Minnie and Lizzie money to go and buy sweets, while he took Fanny with him. When the girls returned, Fanny was nowhere to be found.

Later that evening, Fanny's dismembered body was discovered in a hop field. Her head was found on a pole, and her limbs were scattered around the field. The brutal nature of the crime shocked the local community and the nation.

Investigation and Trial

Frederick Baker was quickly arrested after bloodstains were found on his clothes and a diary entry was discovered in which he had written, "Killed a young girl. It was fine and hot." Baker was tried at the Winchester Assizes in December 1867. Despite his plea of insanity, he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. He was hanged on 24 December 1867 at Winchester Prison.

Legacy

The phrase "Sweet Fanny Adams" or "Sweet FA" originated from this tragic event. Initially, it was used to express the horror and shock of the crime. Over time, it evolved to mean "nothing at all" or "something of little value." The phrase is still in use today in British English.

See Also

• Sweet Fanny Adams
• Alton, Hampshire
• Winchester Assizes
• Winchester Prison