Getting Away With Murder in Camden Town: Robert Wood, 1907 by Mark John Maguire 

You're very kind, Tara - thank you!

Abundant talent notwithstanding, I suspect tireless research, meticulous attention to detail, great care in editing & re editing. There is a perfection in the preparation & presentation of each of your videos, making them a real delight for the listener. I hope to enjoy listening to many more hours of your work. Such excellence is absolutely compelling! Thank you for each one of them. You are greatly appreciated.

I have noticed that too...... Like "Here comes Hall...the accused MUST be innocent!" Hurrah!!! Not much time for the legal profession, to be honest.....because they most certainly ain't! (Crikey: This bloke Hall could not have won over a Jury so easily if he had arrived in a wheelchair.......)

Thank you, Madonna - I'm delighted you liked it. In the next few weeks I will be doing others in what I hope will be a series of such documentaries and I am sure that the technical challenges of producing a piece of work like this will become more familiar to me!

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder It seems like more than 7100 subscribers, including me, appreciate your efforts . In a few days, I've almost listened to all of them. :-)

Yes, he obviously is an artist in his own way/s !

Se3

Thanks, Cheryl - I do my best to try to keep personal feeling out of it. I hope this only shows itself at points where I am trying to make an argument... For me it is far more interesting to try to understand how the terrible events described here happened, how apparently sane people (for the most part) committed them, and the drama that unfolded about such people as the legal processes and police investigations etc swung into operation...

Yes he’s a perfect narrator,can’t wait for every post!✊♥️

Thanks Sally.

Indeed - perhaps worse!

Thank you, Brenda!

And how little regard people have for the sanctity of all human life.

Also class distinction

Many thanks, Damian - yes, I visited the Rising Sun (now The Rocket) last year, quite by accident. So many of these places are still there and very much as they were 110 years ago...

Hi Damian.... I often go on GoogleEarth- Street View to see these locations: They look so much like they did at the time of the events..... It's eerie and yet spellbinding that so much is still as it was then. The differences, in many places of course, is that the slums have given way to the inevitable "Industrial Estates" (Many of which are now becoming slums in their own right!) But so many of the sites mentioned here by "They Got Away With Murder" do exist because the offences were not comitted in the "slums" of the day, but in the houses of the prosperous & well-to-do of the time. (Lord Lucan being a prime example.) Stay Well. S.

Thank you, Bilinda - in some of the cases there are no images for critical points in the narrative so I found the best way of plugging the gap was to draw them myself! The piano - which I must re-do some time - is a similar story.

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Amazing! What a find this channel is!!

It just goes to show that so much talent never makes it to the telly, in fact there is a lot of junk televised. This is outstanding work, thank you!

I hadn’t realised you were playing the piano either Mark! What a creature of multi talented skills you are!! ....I must say I like the way the stories are all,introduced, by the lone character, mac over one arm, lighting up,a cigarette, then bang! Shot and falling to the ground....I’m now thinking that you have illustrated AND modelled as that character too!!! Did you!?!? ,It’s reminiscent to me of an old Maigret program starting....not the same of course but the feeling of that period of nostalgia if you understand me! ...Thankyou for all the pleasure you are giving us with these factual tales....as I and others have told you before you have a wonderfully soothing and clear story telling voice....makes such a difference. Having seen your photo when I first started watching your series, I was sure you were a retired detective I had seen on tv or in the news in the past, but that, I’m not sure of. Keep up the great work! You are SUPERB!! 🙋‍♀️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😘☕️☕️

Yes! The Rising Sun seemed to be the place at which they congregated. I went to the British Library in Euston Road last August to do some research on a case I was writing about and arrived a little early - and so went for a walk along the road. I had gone about 200 yards when I suddenly found myself standing before a very familiar pub - The Rocket, previously called the Rising Sun. I went in - it hadn't changed much since 1907 as far as I could tell - and walked around, taking a few photos and trying to picture the chief protagonists in there. It was a nice surprise and an added bonus to my visit!

Little boys , generally under age (allegedly) ! .

Haaaaa...probably cause they 'over-charged' they ol' boy, and he got Miffed...It's an Age Old hazard in an Age Old Business......

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder lucky you☺ and us

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder I love moments like that. Same happened to me when I found myself standing right out front of The Blind Beggar. Not much has changed in there either. Thrilled that one of your videos showed as a suggestion for me. I'm starting at the beginning as it's a wonderful night to sip a cool drink and watch a few unsolved murders. Greetings from East London and cheers for your channel. 🥂

Thank you! I don't know why it changed its name - it confused me when I was trying to locate the original property, because of this name change. I did plan to visit the house while at the British Library in August last year for research purposes - I visited the Rising Sun, but simply ran out of time to seek out The Eagle and the murder house.

Thank you, Debbie!

I'm American and I grew up in a thickly populated area that had been nothing but farms until shortly before I was born, so seeing this much continuity over time boggles my mind. Intellectually I understand that It's normal for houses and pubs to stand for 200 years or more, and that it's perfectly ordinary for families to live in the same area, even the same neighborhood, for generations... but it doesn't compute. So it's fascinating to watch these crimes play out and still be able to go to the locations and get a feel for what the place was like at the time.

The English architecture indeed stately, but one best have Holy Water & blessings ready if living in a murder site.

Glad you enjoy it! Thank you!

Thank you, Lisa Michelle!

Good question! Thank you, Jude.

Thank you very much, Kay - I am pleased you like them!

Thank you - it was the first one I did and the audio quality is quite poor, but it was a pleasure to study and research the case.

First it was a prostitute on the bed??not realy very good.

Thank you very much, Zoya!

Ooof, that is so true in America we’ve learned. 🙈

@@lizannewhitlow1085 : This happened in London, which is the capital of England.

Yep.

Lovely voice - well narrated - first time listener - really enjoyed it - thank you

@@NelsonStJames e

Thank you, Sandra - I'm delighted you like it!

Rest in peace Philis and all sex workers who have come to a sad end.

Thanks Mel - yes, of course you're right. Interestingly, the judge summed up very much against Robert Wood and people began to call out in court "shame!" and "unfair!". Meanwhile, outside the court the police were very concerned at the impact a "Guilty" verdict would have as a crowd of some 5000 plus Robert Wood supporters had gathered outside the court. The way the judge suddenly seemed to change his mind at the very last moment saying "however, I do not think the prosecution has sufficiently proved its case." attracted much comment. He may have been swayed by the public mood - the press was firmly on RW's side - or genuinely changed his mind. Marshall Hall scowled as he heard his final pronouncement and said to his colleague: "He's trying to steal my credit for getting him off!"

Hi Terence, Many thanks! I agree with you - the final words of Inspector Neil in closing the case file on 21st December 1907, were "...there is nothing more can be done - we must abide by the jury's decision - but there is no doubt that Robert Wood committed the murder."

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Absolutely: There was no-one else even remotely "on the Radar" as it were. Unbelievable verdict.

Great granddaughter here. He 100000% did it.

My pleasure! Thank you!

Yes indeed! And Edward Marshall Hall made his name on this case - he almost instantly regretted putting Wood in the witness box because his manner was odd and he did not answer his questions as Marshall Hall wished! He famously opened his cross-examination of him by turning dramatically and saying "Robert Wood - did you murder Emily Dimmock?" to which he had coached Wood to reply "No sir, I did not." But Wood instead responded: "Well, I mean - it's ridiculous!" which left Marshall Hall non-plussed for a moment!

Wow!!

Finally! I never understood why the accused was not allowed to testify. On the other hand defense attorneys did not like the change I bet. They almost always keep the defendant from the stand if it is at all possible.

@@TheXmeimei No bad cops in China? That sounds great.

Many thanks, George - you too.

Thank you!

Yes funny isn't it

I do wonder how many of his clients actually were not guilty.

Thank you, Donna - I am delighted!

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Can I ask, have you ever done narration or broadcasting before ?? you just seem so comfortable in front of the camera in your intro.. p.s keep up the great work, i'm hooked !😉

@@donna4976 I'm delighted, Donna - no, I haven't done either before and only began doing the introductions because someone suggested it! It takes some time and means I am neglecting my other interests, but receiving comments such as yours encourages me to keep going! :)

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder Wow..! I think the BBC lost out on your natural talent.. I do mean that in a complimentary way of course..! I understand it takes so much research and hard work and is much appreciated ! you are my new favourite channel.. 😊❤

@@donna4976 ​ Wow - that is a really charming thing to say, Donna! I see you are in the NHS - keep up the excellent work :)

Many thanks for your kind comment. I will look at the Gorse Hall case - I am about to commence a new series of documentaries and hopefully will be improving technical aspects of them along the way. If I can find sufficient material in the news from 1909 and in the National Archives, I will certainly do it. All the best, Mark

I agree with that.

You have to admit the man was an amazing defense attorney. I wonder how he felt about the fact that so many of his clients were probably guilty as sin.

Unless of course if he's your lawyer.

@rainking4242. Everyone is entitled to legal representation.

Thank you very much!

Yea, he did. It’s weird…my mom said he was always very calm and kind and nice, never raised his voice, all that. He went on an married and had kids- one was my grandfather- but it is so tragic he was not held accountable for what he did. Apparently, (but who knows right) he never did anything again, he had no further criminal record of any kind, but then again forensics back then wasn’t what it is now. I’m glad to be alive as a result of his marriage, but I do feel guilt for that as well. It’s an awkward place to be in.

@@heatherlou5522 not your fault - we are not our parents . . .

Good question! I do not know the name he was using after the trial - he never actually changed his name, but did his artworks under an assumed name. At some point I will attempt to gather all of these episodes together, revise them and publish them, updating them with information I have since learned.

Thanks for your comment, Stan. Even if he had wished to do this, it wouldn't have been appropriate: it is the jury that decides the innocence or guilt of a defendant: the opinion of the barrister is irrelevant. His only purpose is to plead the case of the accused.

And besides, having been acquitted once, he couldn't be tried again at that time.

Maybe he had grave doubts because the Ripper was never caught, and Hall's mind by definition was given to the deepest introspection.

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder But this isn't the first time he's released a criminal, so Marshall Hall has released many of the criminals who had been released, yes, the jury decides but does not prove whether a person is guilty or not( Who convinced the jury? ). The biggest role is played by the lawyer, the judge, especially those who have money or those they know in high positions are found not guilty).

I do feel that the judges sway the jury a certain way.

Addie: I do so agree with you. I just don't get it, that one man...The Judge... has so much influence on the jury after the summing up of the Prosecutiuon and the Defence..... It's like....well...One man criticising both arguments before the Jury retires.... It's just so DUMB! I rather think we need a massive overhaul...maybe in cases of murder...we have three Judges assessing the actions of both prosecution and defence? In my view...this ....this Barrister-Of-The-Day....Sir Edward Marshall-Ward was another 'celebrity twat' of his time. HE GOT AWAY WITH MURDER!

Thank you!

Thank you, Dalaine - I am delighted you like them and appreciate your taking the time to comment! :)

You are very welcome. You do write very well.

Many thanks.

Thank you, Katharina - yes indeed. Worth paying for if you can afford it!

Thank you, Phillip yes another in a few hours.

That's nice to hear - thank you, Jude!

Thank you!

Thank you kindly!

I agree Mike. I just found the channel 10 minutes ago so starting at the beginning of them. Brilliant delivery of the content. I live in London so one day will be looking for that pub. I subscribed so hopefully more are getting the same suggestion and will do the same.

Kelly C Hi Kelly....try Liverpool Murders by Vincent Burke...similar style and sometimes the same cases but also very good.😉and if you are like me and love audio stories can I introduce you to archive.org which has tons of free audio including one of my favourites the Charles Paris mysteries.👍

@@mikewilliams4499 Cheers for that Mike. I will indeed check those out. I love listening to audio stories late at night as I'm a horrible sleeper. My ears may not get a rest but at least my eyes do. 😅

Kelly C Ah...a kindred spirit. I listen until I fall asleep. Discovered archive.org while enjoying a post-bypass rest last year and I can be a Championship Bore to anyone who likes detective or murder stories particularly historical ones...you are warned Kelly🙄😏The great thing about lockdown working at home is I can listen while at my desk.

@@mikewilliams4499 Glad to hear that you are on the mend Mike. I studied and worked over in North America for years. Discovered a radio series called CBS Radio Mystery Theatre. I'll listen to those on occasion. As I studied forensics and criminology yonks ago, at least we know that we aren't plotting each other's demise. 😂😂 Murder and mayhem are just a mutual interest.

Happy new year, Nicole - one is just about to be posted - thanks!

Yes indeed! Sickert lived in Camden and was fascinated by murder - apparently even spending a night in the room where one of the Jack the Ripper victims had been murdered. His Camden town murder paintings and drawings relate directly to the murder of Emily Dimmock, however. I have used a couple of them in this video.

I had also noticed this.

It is possible that they were based on The Ripper Murders. A silly woman called Patricia Cornwall is quite convinced that Sickert was the Ripper. My Great, Great Grandfather lived in the same street in Mornington Crescent as Walter Sickert at the time of the Ripper Murders. He and Sickert were good friends as they were both German. Unfortunately the street has been pulled down.

@@susannahhunt1831 Have you read Patricia Cornwall's book? They have DNA from the taunting letters the Ripper wrote to Scotland Yard, and it matches the Sickert family. And did you know about Sickert's mother making him have some sort of surgery on his penis at an impressionable age? (I forget if he was a hermaphrodite, and they tried to correct it, or what, but he was scarred and these characteristics -- domineering mother combined with sexual shame and trauma,) would match the profile of such a monster. Edited to add: Cornwall is a medical examiner by training; I believe she is retired from it now. Not that being a coroner is any great shakes, but it is some qualification.

@@quickchris10 Writing a jack the ripper letter is not evidence of being Jack the ripper. Especially as the letter is considered a hoax. Plus neither the paintings nor the letter were preserved for forensic testing for over 100 years as dna was not discovered as a means of testing until 1988. The specialist who treated Sickert was on the treatment of anal fistulas. Sickert was also said to be with his family in France at the onset of the murders. It's a story. A good story but there is little evidence.

lawyers, judges, magistrates, politicians et al and don't quote Israel Folau or you will get into trouble.

That still applies today, Have no fear.

Surprisingly, that old priest wanted a woman, not a young boy.

@@marysylvie2012 Yes, I can't argue with that. It always seems to be the catholic Church as well. ????

@@charliesmith_ ?????

@@charliesmith_ Ok, But I don't get 1974.

Thank you!

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder You are very welcome. Have a blessed weekend.👻🤘💖

As an atheist, I still say The devil takes care of his own, and the Lord didn't want him.

For most I agree, especially crimes of passion but there are people who have no conscience and rationalize that they were justified in doing so.

It’s like saying we all have the same level of consciousness

Indeed! He had a varied career - but was very successful at persuading juries to acquit against all odds!

I hope he is now occupying a special place in Hell.

He was one of the best. Unfortunate for the poorer people.

Thank you. Lana!

Thank you, Rosemary - I entirely agree with you regarding Walter Sickert as a candidate for this crime or those of Jack the Ripper. Quite absurd.

Walter Sickert was the least likely suspect in the whole bunch.

Thank you, Hilary. I don't know is the honest answer - I suppose a woman thinks differently than a man in this situation, and it may be that it is something women feel inclined to do instinctively. In the case of a prostitute like Phyllis, there may be all kinds of additional strategies called into play because of the sheer danger of the profession - this was just 19 years after the Jack the Ripper murders, and, of course, the murder of prostitutes in London was not at all uncommon. For me the persuasive point was Wood being seen looking in the door at Phyllis - and she seeing him - but nothing passing between them... It is possible to imagine her unease in this simple anecdotal testimony. It meshes nicely with her telling a friend she "did not like him at all," and Roberts telling how Wood had stared at him, upon recognising him as the man who had been Phyllis's client the previous night: it all points to an irrational obsession having him in its grip. The mild-mannered and affable Wood, who undoubtedly had a dark sexual compulsion, had become a very dangerous man...

They had a relationship- her husband was always away on ships I believe, and she was a lady of the night. He fell in love with her, she didn’t want to leave her husband. It was a crime of passion, if I can’t have you, nobody can.

I do the same. Usually in screen shots or in my picture album on my phone. I also have a contact under another name but for my own number to forward texts I want or think might be needed later, just in case. You never really know. But my oldest daughter knows where to look. 😉

Thank you very much!

@@TheyGotAwayWithMurder I've set up a thread on my website posting links to each of these outstanding programs. www.jtrforums.com/showthread.php?p=392691&posted=1#post392691

@@HowBrownPhiladelphia Thank you very much! I will visit and have a look!

Thanks Scott.

I had intended to visit the Eagle myself when I was in the British Library some time ago (in Euston Road), but time did not allow. I did have lunch in the Rising Sun (now the Rocket) on that day, though.

So glad!

Yes indeed, Vaughan - the name change foxed me for a while and led me to believe it must have been bombed during the war or demolished, but when I found it, I very much wanted to have a look inside! But it seemed a) terribly nosy and intrusive; and b) rather cruel if the person in the upper part of the house had no idea of what happened there...

@Ana Seijas no, that was Anthony Hardy and he is a modern killer. Have a great day 🌈

I have known and have forgotten, Janet.

Thank you, Mary!

Thanks and welcome!

Yes, that is correct! They were pretending to be husband and wife so that his mother would not be upset, but weren't - and in fact, unknown to him Phyllis/Emily was still working as a hooker. Many thanks indeed for the compliment!

You'd think the simplest schoolbook stories about the things royalty got up to would debunk that idea, but no...

Given she was a sex worker and the jury was only allowed to be men (of "good character"), that it was unlikely they would convict him. Especially as the penalty would be death.

Being in the southeastern part of the US, the constant defense I hear is he/she is a good Christian. Much is said of the person’s reliable attendance to their church, of their volunteer work, and notable generosity. I have learned that when the owner of any business plasters Bible verses on the door of their business, their business cards, or the receipts or invoices, this is a facade to hide their true character. A wolf in sheep's clothing, a snake in the grass; call them what you will. But hold on to your purse and keep them away from your children.

My pleasure, Bridget!

Thank you!

I am delighted - thank you!

Thank you very much! It is the case that has fascinated me longest, I must admit - so it was a delight to make it as first in the series!

BBBB...... "Only The Good Die Young." Never more apt.

Thank you - I am delighted then!

They need excuse to hang around the children. Pedos the majority. Now we look back and see the signs.

I'm not familiar with any, to be honest.

@@laverneh2030 Writers and illustrators don't have professional contact with children. If they wanted access to children, they'd get jobs that let them work with children--like teachers--rather than jobs that had them sitting alone at a desk 98% of the time. Also, Robert Wood wasn't a pedophile. A murderer, yes. But not a pedophile.

Many thanks, John.

Thank you - yes, they were high heels. In the original animation, the woman walks by after the man is shot - but it didn't really work so I removed her altogether!

Glad you enjoyed it!