Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 16 May 1890

Relics of Spence Broughton

For full Spence Broughton story see:

Robbery by Men who had Come to See Spence Broughton’s Body

” Another relic of Spence Broughton.” Such is the title of a letter sent to me by a friend. He states that the dried hand of Spence Broughton has recently been sent to Sheffield.

It was in the possession of Dr. Ottley at the time of his death, but was given afterwards to friend of his. Mr. G. B. Shaw, surgeon, now claims it as being his property. The hand was probably removed from the body soon after its suspension on Attercliffe Common.

A gentleman who takes great interest in local history states that he frequently heard his father tell a story how on one occasion a man brought a part of Broughton’s backbone to him with the request that it might be fitted into a knife handle. The request was not complied with.

The handkerchief which Broughton tied over George Leasley (or Leesley), the postboy’s mouth, when he robbed him of the mail bag on Attercliffe is now in the possession of the Sheffield Corporation, and it to be seen at the Weston Park blossom. The handkerchief got into the hands of the Corporation is the following way. Ii was for a long time in the possession of the late Mrs, Ridgeway, who kept the Ship Inn, Kilnhurst, it having come direct to her from her uncle, George Leasley himself.

Thinking that it was a relic of some interest, she presented, along with a handsome piece of needlework to Western Park Museum. The needlework was prepared by another relative of Leesleys for the 1851 exhibition hundred £50 was once offered and refuse for this piece of needlework.