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Wimbledon: Home to heroes and villains

July 4, 2007

Film stars, fashion tycoons and even a murderer -- Wimbledon boasts a fascinating collection of heroes and villains who have coloured its 130-year history.

The Reverend John Hartley was the proud winner of the 1879 men's title, beating dashing Irish baronet Vere Thomas St Leger Goold. But it was the runner-up who forever won infamy.

A century ago, Goold and his wife Marie were arrested for the sensational 'Trunk Murder'. They dismembered and hid in a trunk the body of a Danish woman trying to reclaim casino gambling debts from the deadly couple.

Both were sentenced to life. Goold was transported to Devil's Island, the notorious French penal colony off the coast of South America, where he died a year later.

Photograph: Getty Images | Text: Paul Majendie/Reuters

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