Re-examining history’s grisliest crimes
Murder. Scandal. Mystery. Our experts delve into shocking stories from Findmypast’s newspaper archive and ask: was justice served?
App exclusive - Series 2 bonus episode: A Criminal in David’s Family
Delve into David’s own family tree and reveal the fascinating story of his ancestor: James Wilson. Uncover the details of what seems be an act of trivial criminality in David’s family history - but has much wider repercussions that rippled down the generations. A poor scapegoat or a grifter? Download the app and decide for yourself.
Over to you...
Put on your detective cap and examine the evidence. We've compiled this episode’s case files into Collections, including key testimonies, police reports, and more.
Catch up on what you missed
Series two episode one: The wealthy widow of Stepney
In 1860, a wealthy 70-year-old widow was murdered at her Stepney home with no signs of forced entry. Could her killer be a friend, and what did they gain? Rav Wilding joins Jen and David to examine this horrific murder.
Series two episode seven: The Shoreditch shoemakers
17 July 1865, Shoreditch. Sarah Geals walked into shoemaker James Giles' workshop, pointed a pistol at his face, and pulled the trigger. The gun misfired, leaving Giles with only a concussion and a cut to his cheek. Years earlier, Sarah, then living as William Smith, had worked for James until her wife exposed her true gender, and Giles took away her job and freedom. Charged with attempted murder, she was instead found guilty of Grievous Bodily Harm after Giles spoke for her in court. When the lines between right and wrong are so blurred, it leaves many asking - was justice served?
Series two episode six: The Barnsley murder part two: Richardson
In March 1888, labourer James William Richardson returned to confront his former foreman, William Berridge, about the quality of his work. Then, he shot him. Leaving Berridge fatally wounded. Found guilty of murder, Richardson’s plea for mercy was rejected and he was executed on 23 May. The contrast with surgeon Burke’s reprieve just weeks earlier only fuelled public anger, many asking - was justice served or bought?
Series two episode five: The Barnsley murder part one: Burke
On the cobbled streets of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, neighbours were stunned to learn that Dr William Burke, a respected local surgeon, had fatally shot his 9-year-old daughter Aileen after a day of heavy drinking at the inn. The case sent shockwaves through the community, as rumours of privilege and injustice spread. Burke was swiftly convicted and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted following a successful petition from his peers, leaving the public outraged and asking, was justice served?
Series two episode four: The crimes of Anne Grimes
In a crowded city street, neighbours rushed to David Anderson's house to find the body of his partner, Ann Manson, on a bloodstained bed with a fatal wound to her temple. The volatile, alcohol-fuelled love triangle between David, Ann, and their lodger, Ann Grimes, was a regular topic of local gossip. Anderson and Grimes were charged with wilful murder, yet their trials unfolded very differently. Was justice served?
Series two episode three: The Tichborne imposter
In 1854, Sir Roger Tichborne disappeared in a storm off the coast of Brazil. More than a decade later, a letter arrived from a man in Australia claiming to be the missing heir. He returned to England for an emotional reunion with his mother and took his place at the family estate in Hampshire. Yet hope soon gave way to suspicion and accusation. Was this man truly Sir Roger, and was justice served?
Series two episode two: The Pimlico poisoning
On New Year's Day 1886, Adelaide Bartlett woke to find her husband Edwin dead beside her. Was it illness or something more sinister? Rumours swirled of a troubled marriage, infidelity, and the peculiar involvement of a family friend. The trial that followed captivated the nation, leaving one haunting question: was justice truly served?
Series one bonus episode: A criminal in Jen's family tree
Jen shares the story of her Irish ancestor, Archibald McKenzie, who faced legal issues in Ireland and Wales before settling in the U.S. Join her to learn about his world and consider if justice was served.
Series one episode five: Shotguns and slander at Ardlamont
Using newspaper reports, Jen and David piece together a hunting trip that went wrong for Cecil Hambrough in 1893. Was it murder or a tragic accident? How did the story unfold, and was justice served?
Series one episode four: Sudden death in Southend
Was Julia Wood's sudden death in 1906 an accident or something more sinister? Jen and David review the evidence, trial details, and decide if justice was served.
Series one episode three: A murderous affair in Peasenhall
A young woman is found with her throat slit after a storm shook Peasenhall in spring 1902. Jen and David uncover the secrets behind Rose Harsent’s death and question whether her murderer faced justice.
Series one episode two: The Camberley poisoning
Jen and David examine a case of double-poisoning in Victorian Surrey, when a woman and her stepson died violently. Join them to review the evidence and trace the story through contemporary newspaper reports.
Series one episode one: Murder in my family with David Olusoga
Historian David Olusoga joins Jen and David to discuss a Victorian shooting involving his ancestor, George Ewart. Together, they examine family testimonies, evidence, and newspaper clippings to determine if justice was served in this personal case.
Join the conversation
Now, you can become part of the investigation. Dive into clippings, testimonies, and trial details—and then let us know: did the scales tip in favour of justice?
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Meet our hosts
Prof. David Wilsonkeyboard_arrow_down
With years spent behind prison walls as a governor and a career spent decoding the minds of killers, no one gets closer to the heart of a case than Criminologist Professor David Wilson. Expect sharp insight, real-world experience, and gripping storytelling in every episode.
Rav Wildingkeyboard_arrow_down
With years on the police front line and a passion for uncovering the truth, guest presenter Rav Wilding brings crime stories to life. His sharp instincts, calm authority, and TV know-how make him a trusted guide through the world of true crime.
Jen Baldwinkeyboard_arrow_down
With over two decades of historical research under her belt, no one knows their way around the world of old newspapers better than Research Specialist Jen Baldwin. Jen's research know-how and expert voice bring these forgotten crimes to life.