#historicalcrimedocumentary

The Murderous Court Jester - Frightful Fridays 

News of the Times Episode 252 | 1650's 

In today’s episode, we are in Cumbria sometime in the 17th century, at Muncaster Castle owned by the Pennington family.  A favoured servant, Thomas Skelton, is with them. Historically, many a tale exists of Tom Skelton who could be the original killer clown.  As the court jester, his job was to amuse and sometimes act as confidant to the family he served.  Tom, it would seem, took his role to a new step.  There are many tales of Tom directing passers by that he took a dislike to to their death.  It was said that he had killed hundreds in this way. In this episode we look at the gory murder of the house carpenter who made the double mistake of teasing Tom and having an illicit relationship with the maiden of the house Helwise.   The murderous court jester, Thomas Skelton, is today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. We hope you enjoy the show! 

The Case of the Althorp Murder 

 News of the Times Episode 372 | 1892 

 1892 Northampton and married with two children husband and father,  Andrew McRae, has a plan. His mistress of some two years has become pregnant – a complication that could be utter financial ruin for himself. Drawing on the famous Richmond case with Kate Webster,

 McRae plots out his full proof plan on disposing of Annie without anyone knowing or questioning her disappearance. His horrific crimes involved dismemberment, boiling and burning the bones.  With the murder location across the street from a police station, McRae decided to not take a chance with the larger parts which, instead, he dumped in a ditch some 6 miles away.  McRae was confident he had achieved the perfect crime. 

We take a look at the background, the crime, the investigation and the capture of this infamous case which, arguably, could be considered almost unmatched in terms of cruelty and cold hearted execution. For Victorian legal eagles, the case had an interesting defence premise that was used to attempt to have the case thrown out.  We take a quick look at this at the end of the show. The case of the Althorp Murder is today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

The Case of the Murder on Battersea Bridge 

News of the Times Episode 367 | 1844 

1844 Battersea bridge London, and an attractive middle aged woman staggers towards the toll booth, clutching a handkerchief to her neck.  Helped gently to the ground, she is questioned as to who has done this to her.  “Dalmas”, she whispers. This story made all the papers in 1844, a feat that was not so very common for a crime story in 1844. The story had all the facets to grab the attention:  a beautiful woman, a potential illicit affair between a Frenchman and a Sunday school teacher, money, deception and finally, murder. 

Through letters left behind, we explore the initial romance of the relationship which slowly turns to a relationship of bitter resentment with attempts to utterly destroy the other party. We take a look at the background, the victim, the crime and the aftermath of the case of the murder on Battersea Bridge in today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

The Case of the Discovered Teeth 

News of the Times Episode 364  | 1913 

In today’s episode it is 1913 and we are in a small village in Dorset with a population of 160. A 24 year old cook who works in the manner house has gone missing.  Where has she gone?  It is the gossip that consumes the whole of the village.  Speculation is rife that she has gone to London for a job or that she emigrated to Canada.  Her distraught mother does not believe it. And then, a series of events occurs to create suspicion.  Some boys in the woods spot a newly dug hole that suspiciously looks like a grave.  A few days later it has been filled in. 

A dairy farmer taking a shortcut on an isolated path spots some false teeth on the ground.  Thinking nothing of it, he picks them up and places them on his mantelpiece, thereby drawing the attention of the visiting rector. From there, the body of Winnie is found.  But who committed the murder in this small village where everyone knows everyone else and why did they do it? This fascinating story made the national papers with headlines screaming for weeks.  We take a look at the background, the crime and the capture in the case of the discovered teeth in today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

The London Oven Horror 

News of the Times Episode 363 | 1898 

This story from 1898 London captivated the press and the public for the sheer gruesomeness of the crime. An out of work baker assistant, 36, whose place had been taken by a young 19 year old lad is unable to find work.  His resentment grows until one day, in the very early morning hours whilst the lad is at work, he unleashes all fury upon the young man. A sad story and terrible.  

However, it takes the police some time to find the body which is eventually discovered in the oven, being cooked.  The press and public had to know – was he alive when he was placed in the oven? 

 We take a look at the background, the crime, and the execution of the shocking story of the London Oven Horror in today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

The Camberley Outrage - Scotland Yard Casebook 

News of the Times Episode 362 | 1906 

It is 1906 Camberley, Surrey and independently wealthy, eccentric, senior spinsters, the Hogg sisters, are going about their usual tasks on a June afternoon.   Suddenly, 62 year old Caroline Hogg, clutching her throat, staggers to a neighbours house and, struggling to speak, manages to relay that her sister is in trouble at their home.  Upon reaching the Hogg residence, older sister Mary Ann is found lying in a pool of blood.  Her throat has been cut so deeply, her head is partly cut away from her body.   There are gashes upon her head.  In her hand, she clutches a hammer head. The suspected motive is robbery, but nothing has been taken.   This puzzling case brought Scotland Yard to the scene. However, clues are scarce.  

Then another incident occurs not far away.  Then another a few days later.  

Oh yes, and there seems to be a known lunatic roaming the countryside. We take a look at this famous case from 1909 involving Scotland Yard and the Camberley outrage in today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

The Mysterious Case of Sarah Duckett 

News of the Times Episode 359 | 1881 

 March 1874 in the quiet village of Stretton Church.  Sarah Duckett arrives back to her home town by train with two, broken and dilapidated boxes.  And then she just vanishes. September 1881 and William Roberts is walking the two miles at night back home from a business meeting.  He senses someone following, sees a woman on the path behind him and waits for her to catch up.  She does not.  

There is no sound of footfall – only the rustling of her dress.  He moves on then waits again.  She comes no closer. He then dashes away only to see her in front of him as a ghostly apparition.  It is Sarah Duckett! This ghostly tale made the international papers in its time.  We take a look at the back story, the event and the post script of the mysterious case of Sarah Duckett in today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

The Many Crimes of Marcel Petiot - Serial Killer 

News of the Times Episode 358 | 1946 

It is 1944 France, and a house in a better quarter of Paris has been chugging out a black acrid smoke with a terrible stench for days. Finally, neighbours go to the door to complain, only to find a note on the door stating that the owner of the house is away.  Neighbours phone the police. With the owner not arriving, the police contact the fire department who break in through a second floor window.  Making their way down, they are greeted by a horror array of bodies and body parts on every floor.  One of the firemen rushes out, vomiting. So unfolds the story of one of France’s recognised worst serial killers, Dr Marcel Petiot. We take a look at the history, the crimes, the capture and the execution of Marcel Petiot and his many crimes in today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays.