Music tells the story of Norfolk’s gruesome bodysnatching past
Folk singer Peter Hood has written a song about the demise of the Eastern Coach Works. - Credit: Nick Butcher
It is the gruesome side of our region's history that remains both fascinating and frightening more than 180 years later.
Picture shows: Sir Astley Cooper (1768-1841)Astley Cooper was born the son of a Norfolk clergyman. His uncle was William Cooper, appointed as a staff surgeon at St Thomas' and Guy's Hospital and it was there that he started his medical studies. He was also taught by John Hunter and in the winter of 1787 he also visited the anatomy department at the University of Edinburgh. In 1789 he was appointed demonstrator in anatomy at St Thomas' and in 1783 he gave lectures in anatomy for the Company of Surgeons.Story: Steve PullingerEDP News
The story of the bodysnatchers, who stole corpses from graveyards to help surgeons further their understanding of anatomy, have been well documented in history books.
But now a local folk fan is helping to tell their tale through the medium of music after penning a song about their grisly exploits.
Peter Hood was inspired into penning a song about the Great Yarmouth bodysnatchers after hearing about the work they did on a local radio phone in, while he was waiting to be interviewed about his music.
Mr Hood said: 'There was a woman phoning in talking about a book she'd written about bodysnatchers. I was so involved in this I honestly forgot why I was there and thought this would be a really good song.
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'It just inspired me.'
The dad-of-two set to work and after striking upon an angle for the song, involving a woman whose husband had died, the lyrics came quickly.
His song, The Bodysnatchers of Yarmouth Town, can now be downloaded and streamed and he has performed it a few times to appreciative crowds.
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Mr Hood, a retired social worker, said: 'People have really liked it and I'm really pleased with it. It's quite a unique song and it's a unique part of Yarmouth's history that shouldn't be forgotten.'
Having played guitar for around 40 years, music has always been a big part of Mr Hood's life and, over the years, he has written scores of songs.
While he dabbled in stand up, many of his songs were comical tunes – but more recently he has taken his hobby in a more serious direction.
Mr Hood, from Carlton Colville, is heavily involved in the Waveney Folk Club and has previously penned a song about the demise of Eastern Coach Works, based in Lowestoft, where he also used to work.
He added: 'I like doing these more serious folk songs. I'm very interested in history, I find it very satisfying.'
Download the song online through iTunes, Google Play or Amazon.
