24 July

Maria Marten is born in Polstead, Suffolk.

Maria Marten and William Corder Executed

A Suffolk molecatcher's daughter left home in men's clothes to elope in 1827. Eleven months later her father dug her up from the floor of the Red Barn.

Her two-day trial before the Third Council of War opens in Paris behind closed doors.

Mata Hari Executed

France shot the famous dancer as a German spy in 1917. She took money from both sides; whether she gave either anything of value is still argued.

A favourable Boston Post article brings a new rush of investors.

Charles Ponzi Convicted

Boston, 1920: an Italian immigrant promised 50% in 45 days on postage coupons. Eight months later his name was a byword for fraud.

The gang is surrounded at Dexfield Park, Iowa; Buck and Blanche are captured, and Buck dies on 29 July.

Bonnie and Clyde Killed before trial

Two years, at least nine dead lawmen and a posse waiting in the Louisiana pines: the real Barrow gang, from Eastham prison farm to the ambush at Gibsland.