News of the Times Episode 118 | 1849 - 1851 Forgotten Fridays 1849 – 1851: News of the Times In today’s episode we review some of the stories making the news in 1849-1851. The new young Queen Victoria is attacked! The shocking case of Rebecca Smith who murdered her 8 children. And a wonderful story of a warring couple and the pranks they pull on one another. With a few other stories and some of the times advertisements such as the gentleman looking for an attractive, kind, good cook to keep his ...
Jul 14, 2023•22 min•Ep 118•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 117 | 1150 - 2023 Famous Family Curses in Britian: Wicken Wednesdays Great Britain abounds in family curses, usually involving wiping out a complete bloodline. In today’s episode we look at 4 such famous tales: The Tichborne curse The Chained Oak Tree The Earls of Stair curse (if you have not heard of them it is because the curse worked) The Lambton Worm (which sounds suspiciously like Smaug from The Hobbit) And the Curse of Tutankhamun which inspired the films of The M...
Jul 12, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 116 | 1724-1915 Daring Escapes from England's Prisons: Twisted Tuesdays The quest for freedom beats heavily in all people. In this episode we look at 4 daring prison escapes from England’s notoriously dreadful prisons. Jack Sheppard, so famous that Daniel Defoe of Robinson Crusoe fame ghost wrote his autobiography. He escaped Newgate Prison twice! William Bisgrove – the only murderer to successfully escape and remain free from scary Broadmoor Prison for the Crimina...
Jul 11, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 115 | 1886 The Mysterious Case of the Pimlico Poisoning: Murderous Mondays This story is a favourite of ours for the enduring mystery of it as well as the high weird factor. A mysterious death, the threesome relationship where the wife is somewhat handed over to other men at the insistence of her husband. And then, the husband’s strange , unexpected and unexplained death in an impossible way. A deathly celebration of New Years Day in 1886 England echoing the famous Char...
Jul 10, 2023•41 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 114 | 1677 The Legend of Mother Damnable –The Camden Town Witch Mother Damnable, Mother Redcap, Mother Shipton. Who are they and what is their connection? In this episode we explore the legends – did she really cook husband number 3 in her oven? – and piece together the ties between the folklore and legends of all 3 personages in England’s History. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #motherredcap #mothershipton #motherdamnable #documentary #eccentricsundays YouTube:...
Jul 09, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 113 | 1942 The Disturbing Saga of the Blackout Ripper: Serial Killer Saturdays Have you heard of the Blackout Ripper? The chilling legend that terrorized a city. In the early 1940s, during the height of World War II, a shadowy figure stalked the streets of London. Known as the Blackout Ripper, this mysterious individual struck fear into the hearts of the citizens. The blackouts were the perfect cover for this deranged killer. In the darkness, he prowled, seeking out his...
Jul 08, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 112 | 1896-1956 The Victorian Sex Cult of The Agapemonites - Conclusion: Eccentric Sundays The Victorian Sex Cult of The Agapemonites started as a free love movement, then evolved into claims of the new messiah to save the world, then moved into paranormal and spiritualism and finally ended being overseen by a discarded wife. This episode explores the dramatic leadership of Reverend Smyth-Piggot and his brushes with scandal, Norway, a jilted lover and the law . Hosted b...
Jul 05, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 111| 1899-1903 Lethal Ladies of the StatesL Twisted Tales Tuesdays In celebration of the Independence Day of our American cousins, today’s episode looks at two lethal ladies around the turn of the century. Our first one, Mary McKnight looks set to have beaten our worst female serial killer, Mary Ann Cotton, with a suspected 18 kills under her belt. Like our Mary Ann, you were taking your life in your own hands if you hung out with her. Our second lethal lady is Lulu Joh...
Jul 04, 2023•45 min•Ep 111•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 110 | 1836 The Murder of Hannah Brown: Murderous Mondays In 1836 the famous Murder of Hannah Brown case surpassed ordinary crimes with its level of brutality. This case was so famous that it was still being referred to decades later as someone doing a “Greenacre” in the event of body parts being found around London. Today’s episode looks at this horrific crime. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalCrimeStories #VictorianMurders #Histo...
Jul 03, 2023•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 109 | 1926 The Disappearance of Agatha Christie: Eccentric Sundays In 1926 the unheard of happened: an internationally renowned crime authoress vanished. Rumours had circulated for some time about the philandering of her dashing husband who had requested a divorce – all was not well within the Christie household. On the evening when he went away, ostensibly to stay with friends, Agatha kissed her young daughter goodnight and vanished. For 11 days she was missing – her d...
Jul 02, 2023•33 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 108 | 1892 Dr Neil Cream - The Lambeth Poisoner: Serial Killer Saturdays Dr Thomas Neil Cream left a known killing trail across 3 countries. Starting in Canada, then the United States and finally ending up in the poorer section of South London, Cream created his own killing formula and encouraged women he met, prostitutes in the UK, to swallow his bespoke medicine with a promise of protection from venereal disease. This episode looks at his crimes and his capture. Hoste...
Jul 01, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 107 | 1846-1956 The Victorian Sex Cult of The Agapemonites - Part 1: Wicked Wednesdays "The Agapemonites, or the Abode of Love, Victorian sex cult was founded in 1846. It started with the premise of free love, but, eventually became the all too familiar story of dynamic leader, believing in his own myths and taking full advantage of his devotees in more ways than one. The Agapemonites is a story in two parts under the two separate leaders,. Today’s episode focuses ...
Jun 28, 2023•33 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 106 | 1865-1920 1831: Madness, Mayhem and Murder on the Railways: Twisted Tuesdays | Episode 106 "In today’s Twisted Tales, we look at Railway madness mostly during the Victorian era. With the advent of the super-fast trains, it was thought the speed from the trains negatively impacted the delicately intelligent mind’s lunacy which could lead to a type of madness. The early newspaper articles abound with stories of male maniacs doing all kinds of weird and not nice...
Jun 27, 2023•36 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 105| 1919 The Murder of Mabel Greenwood: Murderous Mondays We thoroughly enjoyed this story form 1919 in the tiny town of Kidwelly in Wales. The story, on the surface, seems almost formulaic. And yet, the case remains officially unresolved. Was he unfairly unpunished for not following the social norms of the day in a tightly knit small Welsh village? Or did he do the deed? And what of Mabel? How did she really die? Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeS...
Jun 26, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 104 | 1875-1947 Aleister Crowley: The Great Beast 666: Eccentric Sundays It is difficult to encapsulate a personality such as Aleister Crowley. Regardless of one’s thoughts on his exploration of the dark side of everything, he still was a person larger than life in all kinds of ways. This episode focuses on his later years and the trials which brought his unique philosophies more acutely into the public eye. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories ...
Jun 25, 2023•35 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 103 | 1828 Jane Scott - The Bad Girl of Preston: Serial Killer Saturdays Jane Scott, the quintessential bad girl in Preston, Lancashire in 1828. Undoubtedly despaired of by her parents, rebellious, promiscuous, overweight and a girl who likes to party. Would she be so different in the 21st century? Seeing few prospects and wanting the man she set her sights on to marry her, Jane was on a mission. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalC...
Jun 24, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 102 | 1700-1900's The Rough Guide to Naughty England: Wicked Wednesdays "***CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT*** This episode was going to be solely on Mrs Whipping, the S&M governess, who had a highly successful career of some 45 years. We found, though, a larger picture emerging of this world in Regency through Victorian England and realised that Mrs Whipping, although arguably the most successful in this area, was by no means alone. Mrs Whipping still features in ...
Jun 21, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 101 | 1881-1899 The West Ham Child Vanishings: Twisted Tales Tuesdays Between 1881 to 1899, a series of child vanishings took place in a relatively small area. Three of the children had lived in the same street. The stories were somewhat overshadowed by the ripper killings, although the child vanishings that took place were less than 10 miles away. In this episode we recount the series of abductions and murders that remain unsolved to this day. Hosted by Robin Coles. #N...
Jun 20, 2023•38 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 100 | 1868 Frances Kidder– the Last female Public Execution In 1868, Frances kidder became the last female to be publicly executed in England. The case of Frances kidder depicts a woman on the edge and the poor child she to be a step-mother too seemed to receive the brunt of it. A word of warning: This case involves tremendous cruelty. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalCrimeStories #VictorianMurders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...
Jun 19, 2023•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 99| 1913 Dr Barber - and the International iIentity Theft : Eccentric Sundays We are fascinated by identity theft cases; it is like living a lie 24/7. This is even more of a reach when the field is in something you know nothing about! This story of Dr Barber - or is he Dr Barber? spanned two continents and almost seemed to be a compulsion for the man. This fascinating case comes from 1913. We would like to thank our BRILLAINT subscribers for their request on this subjec...
Jun 18, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 98 | 1915 The Brides in the Bath Murderer: Serial Killer Saturdays A true Bluebeard story, the Brides in the Bath murders gripped the nation in 1915. Not only are the crimes themselves fascinating, but how he was caught is a story in itself. A strange pattern catching the eye of a member of the public and some forensic science worthy of the 21st century. This story is one of our favourites. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalCrimeSt...
Jun 17, 2023•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 53 | 1840 The Notorious Hell-Fire Club: Wicked Wednesdays Today's episode looks at the dark side of Jane Austin's world with the mad, bad and dangerous to know lads of the 18th century. Priveleged and rich, every type of debauchery was to be explored. Today's episode is the Hell Fire Club. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalCrimeStories #VictorianMurders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes Email: newsofth...
Jun 14, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 96 | 1927-1934 Trunk Murder Tales: Twisted Tales Tuesdays Today’s episode investigates 3 Trunk murders that occurred between 1927 and 1934. Three gruesome discoveries all left in trucks. Some of them dismembered. One of them pregnant. And one of them, with the body still inside, used as a spare coffee table for poker games. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalCrimeStories #VictorianMurders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthet...
Jun 13, 2023•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 95| 1876 The Blackburn Sweeney Todd: Murderous Mondays This case was nicknamed the Blackburn Sweeney Todd in the papers. The incredibly horrific crime, even by today's somewhat less shockable standards, made the national headlines. For those who followed the Whitechapel Wednesdays, this is one of the cases that was referred to for the argument to use dogs to catch the ripper. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalCrimeStories #Vic...
Jun 12, 2023•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 53 | 1840 Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber Legendary Sweeney Todd - Is he fact or fiction? In today's episode of Eccentric Sundays we look at the evidence regarding Sweeney Todd and the stories related to the tortured barber and the genial baker. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #HistoricalCrimeStories #VictorianMurders YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes Email: newsofthetimespodcast@gmail.com If you like this, here are link...
Jun 11, 2023•33 min•Ep 94•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 93| 1896 Amelia Dyer - The Ogress of Reading: Serial Killer Saturdays Amelia Annie Dyer, arguably Britain’s most notorious serial killer, targeted vulnerable women with children, and preyed upon babies and small children. Her murder toll has been estimated as approaching 400. She strangled the children trustingly placed in her care. With the number of killings and with her statement of enjoying watching the children die, is Annie Dyer the worst serial killer in Britain?...
Jun 10, 2023•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 53 | 1840 Whitechapel Wednesdays - 13 Final Episode In today’s final episode of the Whitechapel series, we review the unresolved recent spate of gruesome deaths. There is a real difference in the number of slayings attributed to the ripper between the police, the medical inquests, and the papers. The papers, perhaps, better reflecting the man on the street: whether all the slayings are from one person or more, there still exists a series of unsolved brutal killings in t...
Jun 07, 2023•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 91 | 1667 - 1935 Stories of Being Buried Alive Today's collection of stories focuses on the many cases found in pamphlets and the papers of being buried alive. Some of those who were buried alive, or nearly buried alive, were discovered in time. Others, with fresh contusions and bloody hands from rapping at the inside of the coffin, tell a different tale. This episode is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTime...
Jun 06, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 90 | 1815 The Case of Elizabeth Fenning This famous case from 1815 had a long-lasting impact in many ways. An attractive young girl as cook in a new household, the poisoning of the family through arsenic, and the "did she or didn't she" aspect ensured this case remained in the Victorian consciousness for a very long time. You will never look at British dumplings in the same way again. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #VictorianCrimeStories #Historic...
Jun 05, 2023•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast News of the Times Episode 89| 1866-1874 Arthur Orton - Butcher or Baronet? : Eccentric Sundays This exceptionally famous case wins the prize for sheer audacity. A butcher from Wagga Wagga Australia, reading the adverts begging for news of a long lost son, decides to pretend to be the missing heir. This case was even presented in Whitehall and rippled around the world. Certainly the old adage: If you are going to lie, lie big, came into play here. Hosted by Robin Coles. #NewsofTheTimes #Victorian...
Jun 04, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
