Crippen, Hawley Harvey

explaining his decision to name Ethel Clara Le Neve as his sole executrix in his will dated 8 November 1910 ("...it should be known how perfectly I trust her in every way, that she has given me the only real happiness I have ever known, that I love her above all else in this life and that for nearly four years she has been united with me in heart, soul and body as my wife..."), 1 page, written on the verso of a slip of paper (83 x 190 mm) cut from a printed document on regulations for prisoners, HMP Pentonville, 17 November 1910, small pin holes at corners

John Rowland Hopwood, solicitor to Crippen and Le Neve; by descent to the present owner

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Dr Crippen's declaration of love to his mistress Ethel Le Neve, written less than a week before his execution for the murder of his wife. More than a century after the headless body of his wife was found buried in the cellar of Crippen's house in the comfortable suburbs of north London, the case of Dr Crippen continues to exert a macabre fascination. Although many details remain contested (even the identity of the body has been questioned), there is no doubt that Crippen was deeply in love with Ethel Le Neve. The pair absconded when the police began to investigate the disappearance of his wife but were apprehended in Montreal and returned to England. At his trial, Crippen took every opportunity to protect Le Neve and she was acquitted of murder. However the jury took just half an hour to return a guilty verdict against Crippen, which was upheld on appeal on 5 November 1910. Three days later Crippen wrote a new will naming Ethel Le Neve as his sole executrix. This was followed, nine days later, by the present codicil in which he insisted that no-one had influenced him to name her as his executrix. He continued to write to Le Neve until the evening before his execution on 23 November.