Credit: Moyse's Hall Museum

Two books are now understood to have been made from the skin of William Corder, executed for the 1827 murder of Maria Marten, the BBC reports.

Moyse’s Hall Museum in Suffolk has already displayed one of the books, which tells the tale of the so-called “Red Barn Murder” and subsequent trial.

The museum has now rediscovered a second book which also uses Corder’s skin, albeit less of it.

Staff have pushed back on suggestions that the books are too macabre to be exhibited or that the skin should be removed.

“We see human remains in every museum across the country”, heritage officer Dan Clarke said.

There had been no complaints in the 11 years that the first book was on display, he added.