George Durling

Thirty six year old George Durling was convicted at the Old Bailey on 5th August, of the murder of Fanny Mussow, aka Francis Vincent who was twenty five, with whom he lived in lodgings at Woolwich. Both were heavy drinkers and as a result had frequent drunken quarrels. On 20th July they had a fight in the street, during which Durling threw bricks at her and threatened to kill her before the night was through. They made up and walked home together, but on reaching the garden adjacent to their lodgings, the quarrel started up again. This time he picked up an iron carpet beater, swung it around and smashed it into her head with such force that it penetrated her skull to a depth of four inches. She died at once. and realising what he had done, Durling fell to his knees and began kissing her and begging her forgiveness. He was arrested and immediately confessed. He was hanged by William Marwood in Maidstone on the 23rd August 1881.