Liverpool Echo
In Section GEN7 of Everton Cemetery, lies the body of Mrs Mary Seymour (nee McKillican)… Although Mary’s grave is a ‘Public’ unmarked plot, there is now a tree growing through its centre… Mary’s grave story, is one of Liverpool’s brutal murder tales for which her husband was hanged in 1911…
Thomas Seymour, was a life long sailor, who was well liked amongst other merchant seamen and ships he had sailed on. When he ‘retired’ he set up house with Mary… in my research, there is a question raised as to whether or not, Mary and Thomas, were actually first-cousins, however, Mary had been left a small sum of money in a legacy… and it is to this situation that Thomas, came into the partnership (marriage?). It is reported that Mary was overly fond of the ‘drink’, and despite Thomas’s good standing… Thomas it is said, quickly joined Mary, in her heavy drinking sessions… it is to this end, that the facts of her murder are revealed.
On the 11th March 1911, a relative called at the house, and upon entering, noticed the body of Mary, curled up in the corner of the kitchen. Her body was covered in hot ashes from the grate (it was thought Thomas had done this to soak up the blood), and Mary’s head bore a clean break from an instrument (thought to be a poker). Thomas was not in the house, at 3 Breckfield Place… During the discovery of the body, Thomas had left the house and given himself up to the nearest Policeman on duty… after being charged, Thomas made a full confession, and asked to be dropped right away, rather than go through a long trial, however, many thought with this request he might be insane, but after medical reports, he was deemed fit to stand trial.
Thomas was to get his wish… After his trial… Thomas Seymour, was hanged at 9:00.am on a bright sunny morning at Walton Gaol on the morning of 9th May 1911. Thomas walked quietly to the scaffold, and was quickly dispatched by Ellis & Pierrpoint. a notice was then posted on the Prison Gates stating…
Thomas Pierrpoint
‘We the undersigned, hereby declare that judgement of death was this day executed on Thomas Seymour, in his Majesty’s Prison, Liverpool, in our presence. Dated this 9th day of May 1911, – G.W.A. Pilkington, Sheriff of Lancashire, John Dillon, governor of the prison, H. Drury Baker, chaplain’
Walton Gaol (click to enlarge)