#newsofthetimes

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The Case of the Murder in Edinburgh 

News of the Times Episode 375 | 1878 

It is 1878 in Edinburgh and a young 24 old mother of 4 is dying.  Doctors are called and she is taken to hospital, but she never recovers.  Her husband, a native Frenchman, puts her death down to a gas leak, pointing out where he believes it has occurred in her bedroom. A medical examination takes place and it is clear she did not die from coal gas poisoning.  Her very distraught mother tells officials of the abusive treatment her daughter has received at the hands of her husband and the very large insurance policy he recently took out on her.  But, no poisons are found in her body… We take a look at this infamous crime that is said to have been the inspiration for the classic gothic novel, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

 For crime and history buffs, we also take a look at the connection of the murderer with Arthur Conan Doyle and most likely the famous Dr Bell – purported inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes or Dr Watson, depending on your point of view. The Infamous Murder in Scotland in 1878 is today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

We hope you enjoy the show! 

Hosted by Robin Coles.   

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Murder and Mysteries - Four Hour True Crime and Mystery Stories

 News of the Times Episode 283 | 1550's - 1911 

Welcome to an extended special history compilation and true cime documentary  - a review of cases where the crimes remained unsolved for years or where doubt remains as to who the murderer was.   

Our first case is the famous Sawney Sean cannibalistic family that existed in Scotland for over 25 years!  The isolated family waylaid hapless travellers, killed them, robbed them and then ate them.  The crimes were finally resolved by King James VI! 

Our second story looks at the famous east London child vanishings over several years.  Many taking place on the same street!  

Our third story looks at the still unsolved Thames torso murders that took place around the same time as the ripper killings and were located only a few miles away.  As mutilated headless bodies began washing up from the Thames, panic ensued! 

Our fourth story looks at the infamous James Maybrick case.  His death occurred in 1889.  There were some who believed he was Jack the Ripper.  As for his very painful death – did she, or didn’t she?  A famous case to this day.  

Our fifth case involves a housemaid and the primary suspect, a highly respectable church elder.  Rose was also found to be pregnant.  Her horrifically mutilated body, with attempts to burn the body after death, was incredibly shocking in its day.  

Our sixth case takes place in Lancaster Castle in 1911.  The family who act as caretakers of the castle are all dying one by one.  Who is killing them? 

Our last episode recounts three families cursed with implications to this day. 03:56:40:09 Four hours of crimes, mysteries and stories is today’s history compilation special of Murders and Mysteries.

 Hosted by Robin Coles. 

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Firsts in Murder

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 best friends have died in rather quick succession whilst in the loving care of Dr Castaing whose great specialty is in the then little-known subject of vegetable poisons… 

Our second case from 1886 London sees Adelaide Bartlett in a three-way triangle with the active encouragement of her husband.  They have an understanding.  But eventually, Adelaide becomes quite attached to one of the men who has been pushed her way and wishes to disengage with her husband who has unexpectedly taken on a mysterious long-term illness.  Adelaide’s treatment for his various health issues is chloroform… T

wo firsts in medical murder is today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. We hope you enjoy the show! Hosted by Robin Coles.        

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Housemaid Stories of Betrayal and Murder

 News of the Times Episode 194 | 1825 & 1895 

Housemaids made up almost 40% of the female workforce at one point.   Today’s episode looks at the unsuspecting dangers lurking in being a housemaid.  From deciding to receive or not receive the attentions from members of the household, or going up in flames – a regular Victorian horror, or being murdered as an eye witness to the primary crime – being a housemaid was filled with potential danger. Covering stories between 1824 and 1893, we investigate some of the stories where bad things happen to the housemaid. Hosted by Robin Coles.       

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The Socialite Serial Killer

News of the Times Episode 257 | 1895 

1894 Antwerp Belgium and one of the top leading social lights of the country is arrested for the murder of three relatives who were all heavily insured.  As the story unfolds into the life of a couple who were considered wealthy and leaders within society, what begins to become clear to investigators is that despite appearances, this was a woman desperate for money.  

Spending far above actual income, and living on credit, it would seem that a family member had to die every time the creditors were closing in.   As investigations are pursued, questions are asked regarding other deaths within the circle of Madame Joniaux We look at the history, crime and capture of the socialite serial killer in 1894 Belgium in today’s episode of Serial Killer Saturdays. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.      

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A Collection of Macabre Murders | Twisted Tales Tuesdays

In today’s episode we look at some of the stories where murder was not enough. In these stories, murder was followed by an attempt to completely obliviate the victim. We start with Charlotte Lawson and the horrific murder of her mistress in France. Followed by the infamous James Cook and Mr Paas case that was a sensation in its day. Historically, one can argue that Kate Webster going so far as to attempt to boil off the flesh of the body parts and sell the fat is an impressive attempt at annihilation. And we end with a love triangle that goes badly for the husband.

Hosted by Robin Coles.

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The Curious Case of the Harvard Murder 

News of the Times Episode 378 | 1849 

It is 1849 at Harvard University and Professor John Webster is a man under pressure.  Possessing little financial abilities, and with a penchant for living well beyond his means, he has approached his good university friend, Dr Packman, for a loan. For security, he has offered his valuable minerals collection. Dr Packman, in financial matters, is quite the opposite of Professor Webster as his personal fortunes, through wise investments, continue to grow. However, Dr Packman is also strictly regulated.  

When he discovers that his friend Professor Webster has gone to his brother-in-law for an additional loan, using the very same minerals collection as security, his anger knows no bounds. 

 Dr Packman begins to hound his former friend Professor Webster, increasing his demands, until finally, he manages to have Webster’s pay from the university appropriated to himself to pay the debt owed.  And then, surprisingly, the notoriously predictable Dr Packman vanishes. We take a look at this curious case of the Harvard murder from 1849.  For true crime buffs, do be sure to check out the end of the episode under our “further particulars” segment that gives some added information regarding similar cases. 

 Hosted by Robin Coles.  

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Crimes Tales from the Raj 

News of the Times Episode 376 | 1873 - 

1889 In today’s episode, we are exploring three murder cases from India during the British occupation – otherwise known as the period of the Raj. 

Our first case involves a highly respected and well known priest and his activities with a married young girl that leads to murder.  The case is remembered to this day. 

Our second case is a short story regarding the death of a nine year old bride. 

Our third case involves a Prince and the sudden death of his young wife. 

As an extra, we have a historic story from Persia recounting the unique form of execution known as gatching from a reporter on the scene.  You will never look at arts and crafts the same way again. Three tales of murder and scandal from the Raj, plus a bit extra, is today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.     

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The Victorian International Serial Killer 

News of the Times Episode 374 | 1892 

It is 1892 Melbourne Australia, and a prospective tenant is looking at a house that has been uninhabited for roughly 1 month.  There is a peculiar smell emanating throughout the house and she decides not to rent the property because of it. But the letting agent is concerned and pursues.  What unfolds becomes an international incident with a known death count of 6 across Australia and England. The butchered victims have been encased in concrete underneath the hearth in both buildings.  Worse still, the suspect has another woman in his sights… We take a look at these horrific murders that held the public and papers both repulsed and fascinated across the globe.  The Victorian International Serial killer is today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

 Hosted by Robin Coles.       

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Shocking Dark Crime Tales of Britain 

News of the Times Episode 373  | 1766 - 1848 

In today’s episode we are exploring shocking crimes of their time across Britian spanning between 1766 to 1848. What is deemed shocking in one era can certainly be considered very much less so in another era, yet we found all of the stories in this episode shocking in their own way. 

 Case 1: selling a young girl on the Royla Exchange in 1766 

Case 2: Torture and starvation of a wife in 1767 

Case 3: The famous case of the blind man who cruelly murders his boy guide in 1800 

Case 4: Charged with roasting a child – in 1816 

Case 5: The returning son who is murdered by his father unknowingly in 1834 

Case 6: Killing a boyfriend’s children for revenge in 1848 For our true crime buffs, we give more information about one Britian’s more infamous and prolific executioners at the end of the episode. 

 Six dark and murderous tales from Britain’s past is today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.        

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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. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.     

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The Case of the Body in Parts 

News of the Times Episode 371 | 1877 

In today’s episode, it is 1877 in a small village in Wales.  In the early morning as people begin their day, a hand, with arm attached is found drifting down the river.   As the day progresses, more body parts are discovered.  The head is recovered from the river with eyes gouged out and hair cut short.  Eventually, most of the parts of a young pregnant woman are pieced together by the local surgeon.  The body is so badly mutilated that it can only be identified by close family through the various pieces of clothing still attached to some of the parts. This horrific crime in a small sleepy hamlet in North Wales made the national papers. We take a look at the background, the crime, the investigation and the execution of the case of the river packages in today’s episode of Murderous Mondays. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.    

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Guilty from Beyond the Grave 

News of the Times Episode 369 | 1629 & 1735 

In today’s episode we look at two cases – carefully recorded in their day – where the alleged murderer(s) are named from beyond the grave. Our first case from 1629, nearly 400 years ago, occurs during the reign of Charles 1st.  A body is found lying in bed, child in arms, with her neck cut ear to ear.  The court is sure they know who has done it, but the ultimate proof is if the body, that has been buried for 30 days and is then exhumed, bleeds when touched by the hand that murdered it.  

This belief held even into the early 19th century in some of the more remote villages. Our second case from 1735, during the reign of George II, an equally well documented tale, recounts the disappearance of a young pregnant girl who just seems to vanish.  Then, a local miller begins to be haunted by the missing girl, as a bloody spectacle, telling him to inform the authorities and give evidence as to where her body is buried. 

Two documented cases of phenomena pointing to their murderers from beyond the grave is today’s episode of Frightful Fridays. For our history buffs – do stick around to the end where we do a short roundup of ghosts in UK history. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.     

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The Mystery of the Hansom Cab Murder 

News of the Times Episode 368 | 1889 

Manchester 1889 and in the foggy cold gloom of a damp and windy February, a cabbie roams the streets hoping for a fare.  A gentleman calls out, requesting taking to an inn and two men enter the cab.   

 With the loud sound of the horse’s hooves on the cobblestone streets, the cabbie is abruptly alarmed when a voice calls out that the cab door is open and that a young man is running down the street. Alarmed, the cabbie jumps down only to find the older gentleman insensible.  He dies shortly afterwards. It is dark and there are few about.  The description given to the police is generic and could pass for almost any young man in Manchester.   

 What follows is a show of incredible investigative determination with one of our detective heroes commended by Scotland Yard as one of the greatest detectives. We take a look at the background, the crime and the incredible capture that we believe, without cc tv, would have been difficult to solve in our day and age.  The mysterious hansom cab murder is today’s episode of Wicked Wednesdays. 

Hosted by Robin Coles.