Bio

William Henry Thorpe was born in 1880. He grew up in England but little is known about his early life and childhood. As a young man, he joined the military and served in the war. During his service, he lost the lower part of his left leg, which led to him using a wooden leg for mobility. After the war, he returned to civilian life and struggled to adjust.

Thorpe worked various jobs but eventually became a watchman and laborer at a building site in Breightmet, Bolton. His life took a turn for the worse after he developed feelings for Frances Godfrey. He and Frances had an on-and-off relationship that spanned several years. They were close, and he felt a strong attachment to her.

In June 1925, he last saw Frances before she married William Clarke. Thorpe was not aware of her wedding plans, which left him feeling devastated when he found out. He had thought their relationship had the potential to become serious. Following the news of her marriage, he became consumed with sadness and loneliness.

In the days that followed, Thorpe attempted to reach out to her, writing her a heartfelt letter in hopes of rekindling their relationship. However, he did not receive a response. As he dealt with his heartbreak, he often moped around the work site. He struggled with alcohol as a way to cope with his feelings of loss and rejection.

Murder Story

William Henry Thorpe murdered Frances Clarke on November 20, 1925. He had learned just days before that she had married another man. Distraught over this news, he became very drunk on the night of November 19. In the early hours of the following morning, he waited outside the home where Frances was staying with her new husband and mother.

When her husband left for work early in the morning, Thorpe entered the house. He attacked Frances while she slept, cutting her throat with a razor. Frances's mother heard her scream and the sound of Thorpe fleeing. She recognized the sound of his wooden leg as he ran down the stairs.

After the murder, a search for Thorpe began. He was found at his home later that day, where he attempted to commit suicide with the razor. Thorpe was arrested and taken into custody. He reported having tried to kill himself multiple times since the murder.

Thorpe was charged with murder and put on trial. During the proceedings, his defense argued that he was insane at the time of the crime. The jury found him guilty and recommended mercy. However, on March 16, 1926, Thorpe was executed by hanging in Manchester.