The Gildart Street Tragedy News of the Times Episode 237 | 1894 In today’s episode it is 1893 and the Walber marriage is in trouble. The couple, who are both in their 2nd marriage, tend to drink, further exacerbating their troubled union. As John’s ex-partner moves back into town 17 after their initial breakup, he looks to renew that relationship. His wife, Margaret, has a violently jealous nature. As the story takes a sinister turn with her chaining up her philandering husband, the situation di...
Jan 15, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast The French Ripper - Joseph Phillipe News of the Times Episode 236 | 1871 In 1888, as London grappled with the vicious and what was regarded as the unprecedented horrific violence of an unknown killer prowling the streets, the press raised the case of Joseph Phillipe of some 25 years previously in France who they dubbed “The French Ripper”. At the time, Paris dubbed their unknown assailant prowling the streets for women of easy virtue the “Terror of Paris”. Phillipe is believed to have killed at ...
Jan 13, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Moat Farm Mystery - Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 235 | 1903 The Moat Farm Murder in 1903 took over the headlines nationally. A wastrel conman, a wealthy spinster, illicit affairs, forged cheques, and the spinster’s mysterious disappearance all helped to grip the public. When it was discovered that the charged murderer had gone through two wives in quick succession who died mysteriously before he moved on to the wealthy spinster, public interest came to a fever pitch with crowd...
Jan 12, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Murder by Burying Alive - Wicked Wednesdays News of the Times Episode 234 | 1870 - 1922 In today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays, we look at three cases where the victim was buried alive. Our first case from 1870 is a story of love and vengeance as Mr Triffit is dumped by his long term mistress. How to get back at her? Report to the police that they both killed and buried alive their three illegitimate children. Our second case from 1907 Pennsylvania recounts a take of blinding jealousy to anythi...
Jan 10, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Scotland Yard Casebook: Murder at Road Hill House News of the Times Episode 233 | 1860 In today’s episode we are in rural Wiltshire in 1860 where a dreadful murder has taken place with a three year old boy who has had his throat slashed to the spine with a furtive attempt to then stuff his body down the toilet head first. Like a classic locked room mystery, only those in the household could have committed this evil deed. The tension within is palatable, with children from the first marriage rese...
Jan 08, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Notorious French Ogress Serial Killer - Jeanne Weber Serial Killer Saturdays News of the Times Episode 232 | 1905 - 1908 Today’s episode, from 1905 to 1908 France, investigates the case of Jeanne Weber, a thrice accused serial killer who managed to avoid justice twice. Employing strangulation techniques which were difficult to spot in Edwardian England, Jeanne Weber managed to evade justice several times, continue her killing spree over 2 years, and elicit apologies for her hounding from the...
Jan 06, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast A Grisly Murder in Nottingham - Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 231 | 1905 ‘A murder so despicable the like which hasn’t been seen in a long time’ was how this murder from Nottingham in 1905 was described. The victim, a young boy just short of his 5th birthday, was so brutally beaten that his mangled body was nearly decapitated. The murderer – the friendly lodger taken in who seemed fond of the young boy and who had babysat him more than once – was quickly discovered. This horrific c...
Jan 05, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Firsts in Murder - Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 230 | 1822 & 1886 In today’s episode we look at two cases which were “firsts” in their day for murder. Our first episode takes place in France in 1823. Newly graduated Dr Castaing, with a mistress with expensive social and financial requirements, a household of 5 children and a large outstanding promissory note due, is in severe financial trouble. And then, suddenly and mysteriously, he is not! However, his two rather wealthy bes...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 230•Transcript available on Metacast The Scandalous Murder of William Whiteley - Murderous Mondays News of the Times Episode 229 | 1907 In today’s episode, we dive deep into the intriguing and haunting tale of the scandalous murder of William Whiteley. It is 1907, London, a time of elegance and innovation. William Whiteley, a successful businessman known for his luxury department store, is unexpectedly publicly murdered – but why? What unfolds is a tangled web of salacious relationships, deceit, betrayal, and ultimately, murder. Jo...
Jan 01, 2024•31 min•Ep 229•Transcript available on Metacast Crime Stories That Made History - History Compilation Special News of the Times Episode 228 | 1815 - 1882 In today’s special episode, we look at 4 cases that left their mark in the annals for historical crime. The Eliza Fenning case of 1815 – did she or didn’t she? The Francois Courvoisier Case 1837 – some 50 years before Jack the Ripper, London is gripped with cruel attacks on women that culminates in a murder of the aristocracy The Mary May Case of 1848 – Mary May allegedly worked her way thro...
Dec 31, 2023•3 hr 35 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Walworth Tragedy - Murders in London News of the Times Episode 53 | 1840 Walworth London, late December 1856 and the horrific murder of two children whose throats are slit from ear to ear is discovered in the residence of the Bacons. The story of a man who came in through the window and attacked the children and wife for a few articles is quickly uncovered as false leading to the mother as the primary suspect. But, as investigations continue, the possible culpability of the father comes into...
Dec 30, 2023•41 min•Ep 227•Transcript available on Metacast The Holywood Murders of Ireland - Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 226 | 1873 It is the 31st of December, 1872 in Holywood, Ireland, near Belfast. A daily milk delivery is not collected by any member of the Croft Lodge despite the relative late hour of the morning. As concerned neighbours peep through the windows, a gory sight unveils of the battered body of elderly and well respected spinster, Miss Kerr. Further investigations find her barefooted servant, Jane Toner, also horrificall...
Dec 29, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Stories of Hand of God Wicked Wednesdays News of the Times Episode 225 | 1650 & 1860 In today’s episode we look at two different sides of Hand of God stories. Our first story, from 1650, recounts the tale of a woman who, having become pregnant by the insistent advances of a member of the household in which she worked, attests that she miscarried. Not knowing what to do, she buries the corpse which is then discovered. Accusations fly of her having killed her child. She goes to trial and is co...
Dec 27, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Great Coram Street Murder Mystery News of the Times Episode 224 | 1872 Christmas Day, 1872, London. When Harriet Buswell, stage name Clara Burton, does not get up as usual in her lodging house, her door is broken down where she is found slaughtered on her bed from a gaping wound in her throat and some lacerations on her body. The Great Coram Street Murder case was in all the papers. A bloody shocking crime made all the more shocking by its violence on Christmas Day. We take a look at the cri...
Dec 25, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mini Murder Mysteries: Murder at Bucklebury Manor News of the Times Episode MMM01 A mystery murder puzzle! Mr Maxwell, a puppet enthusiast, whilst once again re-arranging his impressive puppet collection has been murdered! Three servants are in the house – three suspects. Chief Inspector Wayne is called in to solve this diabolical crime. Can you discover who the murderer is? Follow the clues and see if you can guess in the 1 minute time allotted. A Christmas cracker murder mystery for the armcha...
Dec 24, 2023•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Benbecula Island Serial Killer News of the Times Episode 223 | 1857 In today’s episode, it is 1857 on a small island in Scotland in the Outer Hebrides and a madman is loose in the small isolated community. Body after body after body is discovered and the horror grows as it is realised that the person responsible is their son. This case was a sensation in the day and, we believe, an inspiration for the basis of at least one popular crime story. An isolated community and a madman with an uncon...
Dec 23, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Murder and Scandal in Oxfordshire - Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 222 | 1829 & 1851 In today’s episode we are in Oxfordshire looking at a case of scandal and a case of murder. Our scandal case from 1851 we came across accidentally whilst researching a different case. The Reverend Mr Charles James is slapped with a court summons regarding a fraud case he is alleged to be involved in. Mr James abandons his wife and family – an additional charge by the courts - and absconds to Pre...
Dec 22, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pies of Death News of the Times Episode 53 | 1840 In today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays, we look at three stories of deadly pies. Our first story from 1783 involves a veal pie. Interestingly, the news at this time was quite different from Victorian times. The case seems to be reported in a perfunctory way, almost as if this was a common thing. Our second case from 1850, we have covered before regarding the stalking case of a famous actor at the time that led to a raspberry pie laced with Spani...
Dec 20, 2023•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Scotland Yard Casebook: Sinister Sidney Fox News of the Times Episode 216 | 1929 1929 Hotel Metropole Margate – a fire breaks out in an elderly woman’s room. As her son looks for help, a fellow guest beats through the smoke and drags Mrs Fox from the bed. She is quite dead. The event unfolds a twisted tale of scams, deceit and murder requiring the help of Scotland Yard to help decipher the murky trail leading to death and uncover the real events and the culprit. Another case file from Scotland Y...
Dec 18, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Axe and Tomahawk Killer News of the Times Episode 219 | 1842 Today we look at one of Australia’s most notorious Serial Killers, John Lynch. With a confessed kill count of 10, Lynch’s known killings start in 1836 due to a supposition of being ratted on by a fellow convict. It is in 1842 when Lynch goes into a killing spree with anyone unlucky enough to come into his path. His primary motive ostensibly was for financial gain, but he seems to have taken real delight and pride in the multiple mu...
Dec 16, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Limeslade Mystery - Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 218 | 1927 Limeslade South Wales in 1927 is the scene of a tragic yet unremarkable occurrence of a woman battered outside her own house door in the evening after a night at the cinema with her next-door neighbour. This sadly not uncommon event unfolds into a convoluted case involving blackmail, embezzlement, riches, mysterious antagonists, a famous writer and ties to royalty. Or does it? The Limeslade Mystery gripped the papers ...
Dec 15, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast Blood Bonds Broken: Killing Father - Wicked Wednesdays News of the Times Episode 216 | 1751 - 1890 In today’s episode we look at three cases of killing father. Our first case, from 1752 remains a famous one in the UK. Mary Blandy, potential spinster, has a promise of love from a rogue already married, gambling indebted, Captain. The only thing standing in the way of love and inheritance is her father. The second case from 1871 involving a deadly scythe remains a question of accidental or purpose...
Dec 13, 2023•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Murder in Paris - Murderous Mondays News of the Times Episode 216 | 1856 In today’s episode we are in Paris France in 1856 where we look at a particularly gruesome crime with a poor attempt to dismember the body with a dull knife in a lodging house. The description of the crime is in far more detail than we normally see with English papers at the time. This crime leads into our second story regarding the Paris Morgue which was a top “must see” tourist destination in Victorian Times and a mainsta...
Dec 11, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Serial Killer Saturdays: The Infamous Elizabeth Berry News of the Times Episode 53 | 1840 In 1887, Elizabth Berry, a practising nurse in the local workhouse, has had an unfortunate string of deaths in her family. As with many a serial killer episode we have uploaded, it is the last death with then unravels a string of deaths over years. The fact all of the dead relatives were insured does not seem to have been picked up at the time. This case was also particularly interesting as she knew her exe...
Dec 09, 2023•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Disturbing History: Children in Broadmoor Prison Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 214 | 1903 & 1930 In this episode we look at two cases of children being sent to Broadmoor prison for the criminally insane. Our first case from 1903 involves a possible, not proven, 8-year-old serial killer whose preferred victims are under two years old. His preferred method of killing is to bury his victims alive. Our second case from 1930 begins with a torrid obsession of 15-year-old George for 1...
Dec 08, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Fatal Transactions: When the Cash Register Rings Death Wicked Wednesdays News of the Times Episode 213 | 1872 & 1903 In today’s episode we take a look at two famous cases in their day involving shopkeepers. We have covered before how dangerous being a housemaid could be – today we look at the dangers associated with being a shopkeeper. Our first story from 1872, named the Hoxton Horror by the press, sees mother and daughter shopkeepers bludgeoned to death in mid-day on a busy street. Our sec...
Dec 06, 2023•44 min•Ep 213•Transcript available on Metacast The Bermondsey Tragedy - Murderous Mondays News of the Times Episode 53 | 1840 This story from 1872 Bermondsey – not to be confused with the famous Manning case which occurred some 23 years earlier also in Bermondsey - titillated the public with its whiff of illicit relations, jealousy, brutality and ultimately, murder. The crime itself was clearcut. What became almost of more interest in the papers was the actions of the murderer after the crimes. This case also became a bone of contention for ...
Dec 04, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Leveson Street Horror - Serial Killer Saturdays News of the Times Episode 211 | 1849 Today’s shocking story from 1849 was considered so hideous that the city changed the street name where the crime was committed. Heavily pregnant Anne Hinrichson, whose husband is away, is having a normal day with her two small children and her maid who helps in the house. Anne has recently taken in a boarder to bring in some extra money. What happens next created a brutal scene of horror for all unfortunates...
Dec 02, 2023•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Family Killings in Ripon - Frightful Fridays News of the Times Episode 210 | 1874 1874 was a remarkable year in Ripon North Yorkshire with two unrelated cases of family members killing other family members. Our first case is a soldier on return to his parents’ home. It is not a happy return and William is eventually asked to leave the home by his father. On the day of his departure his 16 year old sister follows him. She is found dead with her dress above her knees. William has disappeared. In o...
Dec 01, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Scotland Yard Casebook - The Islington Murder News of the Times Episode 209 | 1840 In today’s episode we take a look at a Scotland Yard case from 1840 – The Islington Murder – a great story showcasing how Scotland Yard eventually get their man. A robbery and murder of a wealthy older man, not shy of flashing his cash, takes place. It does not take long for the police to trace evidence to a primary suspect, but, despite the evidence, he gets off! However, Scotland Yard remain undismayed and set o...
Nov 29, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
