Edward Pritchard, the Human Crocodile

Edward Pritchard, the Human Crocodile

From Poisoned History by Suzanne

January 1, 2026 · 51 min · Season 3 · Episode 2

About this episode

This episode explores the life and crimes of Dr. Edward Pritchard, a controversial figure in medical history.

Dr. Edward Pritchard was a doctor (of sorts), viewed as a quack by many of his contemporaries, who decided that killing would solve all his problems most efficiently. He was right, for a little while at least. Sources and resources: Loney, G; How the Huan Crocodile met the Glasgow hangman for the last public execution in Scotland; Glasgow Live, 18Nov2018, https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/history/human-crocodile-execution-glasgow-history-11676137 Our Legal Heritage: The last man publicly hanged in Glasgow; Scottish Legal News, 31Aug2018, https://www.scottishlegal.com/articles/our-legal-heritage-the-last-man-publicly-hanged-in-glasgow Grebar, Henry; What became of America’s water-cure towns? Bloomberg, 16Nov2015, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-16/the-legacy-of-america-s-water-cure-towns Discover Saratoga, visitor information, https://www.discoversaratoga.org/things-to-do/attractions/mineral-springs/#:~:text=State%20Seal:%20A%20popular%20choice,has%20water%20rich%20in%20magnesium Van Hoose, Anne; Edward William Pritchard: Gone? A killer in the Glasgow Photographic Society…

People in this episode

Host: Suzanne

Topics covered

  • true crime
  • historical execution
  • medical malpractice
  • quackery
  • forensic medicine

Keywords

  • Edward Pritchard
  • human crocodile
  • Glasgow hangman
  • public execution
  • quack doctor

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Glasgow Live, Scottish Legal News, Bloomberg, Discover Saratoga, Glasgow Life, History of Medicine Museum

Books & works: The Elements of Murder

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