Murder Maria Marten (born 24 July 1801) was the daughter of Thomas Marten, a molecatcher from Polstead, Suffolk.

Marten was an attractive woman and relationships with men from the neighbourhood had already resulted in two children.

Although Thomas Henry's father wanted nothing more to do with Marten after the birth, he occasionally sent money to provide for the child.

One, the child of William's older brother Thomas, died as an infant, but the other, Thomas Henry, was still alive at the time Marten met Corder.

After sable was hunted to extinction in Finland, the word was applied to any dark coated fur animal, such as the marten, which are found in the area to this day.

Some thought it was part flying squirrel or some other wild animal, which is not impossible, for, according to naturalists, prolific hybrids have been produced by the union of the marten and domestic cat.

The next day, Friday, 18 May 1827, he appeared at the Martens' cottage during the day, and according to Ann Marten, told Maria that they must leave at once, as he had heard that the local constable had obtained a warrant to prosecute her (no warrant had been obtained, but it is not known if Corder was lying or was mistaken).