But as justice methods softened and executions declined, medical schools began facing a severe cadaver shortage.
Others temporarily housed bodies in mort houses until decomposition rendered them unusable to thieves.
One man, Henry Trigg, developed an unconventional method to protect his own body from theft.
Resurrectionists (1847), by Hablot Knight Browne.
Henry Trigg lived in early 18th-century Stevenage, a small town in Hertfordshire, England.
Coffin of Henry Trigg.
Henry was aware of the peculiarity of the request he made in the will.
Instead, everything bequeathed to him would go to their brother George Trigg.
If George also refused, the estate would pass to Triggs nephew William Trigg, and so on.
Thomas apparently honored his brothers peculiar wishes.
The unusual burial soon attracted curious onlookers and became a popular sight in Stevenage.
Curious visitors began pilfering parts of him whenever they had the chance.
Regardless, its clear that poor Henry met a most undignified end.
Legend holds that his restless ghost roams the buildings, searching for his lost remains.
Trigg’s Barn as in 2016.
Photo credit:Wikimedia Commons
