In the early 19th century cheap broadsides detailing murders or sensational crimes, and the subsequent execution, were sold in the streets for a penny or less at the place of execution of the criminal featured in the particular broadside. These ephemeral publications were intended for the middle or lower classes, and featured the last dying speeches of the convicted. Extremely popular especially in instances of sensational crimes, this broadside tells the story of the killing of 16 people by William Burke (1792–1829) and William Hare (1792 or 1804 - after 1829) in Edinburgh, Scotland during 1828. Burke and Hare were Irish immigrants who began as resurrection men selling corpses to Dr. Robert Knox (4 September 1791 – 20 December 1862) and his popular anatomy school. Due to the popularity of the school corpses were in short supply, so Burke and Hare turned to murder to fulfill the demand.