2-714-158 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Renwick Williams, Commonly called The Monster', 1822. Portrait of florist Rhynwick Williams (born c1767), who was arrested in 1790 and accused of being the 'London Monster'. The Monster was an alleged attacker of women, with a signature behaviour of piquerism, (the pricking or stabbing of victims with a knife, pin or needle). Williams was sentenced to six years in prison - however it is not certain that he was in fact the Monster. From "Wonderful Characters: Comprising Memoirs and Anecdotes of the Most Remarkable Persons of Every Age and Nation", Vol. III, by Henry Wilson. [J. Robins and Co. Albion Press, London, 1821]