Public Domain Mark
You can use this work for any purpose without restriction under copyright law. Read more about this licence.
Credit
Wellington and Peel, in the roles of the body-snatchers Burke and Hare, suffocating John Bull; representing the extinguishing by Wellington and Peel of the constitution of 1688 by Catholic Emancipation. Coloured etching, 1829. Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.
John Bull lies on a bed, resting his head on a tick-covered bolster. The Duke of Wellington tries with his left hand to asphyxiate him and with his right to restrain John Bull's left arm. John Bull's legs are grasped by Robert Peel, who says "Do make haste I'm sure I heard a noise". Wellington replies "Don't be alarmed friend Hare its only the doctors coming for the body you are a young hand at it, and have not seen such black deeds as I have, the old man will die easily for he has been long ailing". Outside the devil and the Pope are seen through a window: the devil puts his arm round the Pope and says "I think my old friend we've got them all now". The Pope replies "Yes yes, fast enough, only make sure of John Bull and all is right"
| Location | Status | Access | |
|---|---|---|---|
Closed stores |