Welcome to the forgotten world of bodysnatching

Discover a world where students paid for their studies with freshly exhumed corpses and where loved ones were hired to guard your grave.

A nightwatchman disturbs a body-snatcher who has dropped the stolen corpse he had been carrying in a hamper, while the anatomist runs away. Etching with engraving by W Austine

Can’t wait for a juicy story?

Then let me introduce London bodysnatcher, Joseph Naples and his fabulous prison escape in 1802.

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why bodysnatching?


Interior of a dissecting room with cadavers laid out on tables. Drawing by Paul Ronard late 19th early 20thc via Wellcome Images

‘Dissecting Season

It’s time to look at mortsafes

They’re the most famous form of bodysnatching prevention to have survived the scrap metal drives of WWII.

Here are my favourite posts covering the wonderful world of the mortsafe.


More Bodysnatching preventions


Got a bit of cash to flash?


The ‘Notorious’ Merry Andrew


Want More Burke & Hare?

Have you heard of these Prevention methods?

Poor Prevention Against Body Snatching

poor prevention methods


Does It Still Happen?


Hungry anyone?

Reasons for bodysnatching today range from cannibalism, ransom and loneliness.

Famous People Stolen

Whether you’ve been stolen for medical research, because you were a US president or had your heart stolen to be preserved in wine – being famous certainly has its drawbacks.


Ready for a road trip?



bodysnatching 101


Just how did they get a body out of the grave?

Read these ‘Tips & Tricks’ from the experts!

Top 5 Punishments for bodysnatching

Been caught?

What Did Bodysnatchers Actually do?

Just taken up the role? Here’s what’s expected of you


The 5 Rules of bodysnatching


london bodysnatchers


Waterloo Teeth Lower

The disgusting world of Georgian dentures!

Could you wear the teeth of a dead man?


Bodysnatching tales



After the Anatomy Act


A newsletter designed for dark history lovers!