The Murder of Francis Rattenbury: Rattenbury & Stoner, 1935 

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Sadly enough, it seems that Alma had a talent for spotting vulnerable men, old and young, and manipulating them. Yes, I agree with your reasoning that she was the murderer. And I've got to say how much I enjoy your illustrations. The one of Alma chasing that poor policeman is priceless!

Wow, what a story! The young son John was raised in Canada by Alma's sister. He lived and learned architecture under Frank Lloyd Wright in Arizona, and became a well known architect in his own right. He never believed his mother committed the murder, saying she was "too naïve" to do it.

Great, I messaged you privately a while back about this case, I was born in Bournemouth and as a child in the 70s I used to often walk past the cottage where the murder took place. I was in the UK 6 months ago and the house is still in the same state as it was 40 years ago.. same net curtains, creepy and untouched. I have tried to find who now owns the house. George Stoner lived in Moordown Bournemouth until he died never spoke about the case.. Thanks again for this

I love sitting back and allowing your voice to wash over me as I listen to another well written tale of murder. Thank you.

I had never heard of this murder before. It's hard to have much sympathy for Alma, or even her husband, but I'm glad that George wasn't hanged and lived out the rest of his life. He was very young and probably feeling overwhelmed by the emotion aroused by his first love affair. It's a very interesting story - thank you for bringing it to us.

Another fascinating tale, told so eloquently! Thank you. I was dreading the ending, thinking that the young lad would hang, mercifully he had a life afterwards. You have to have pity for the son John, having lost both his parents in such an appalling way.

Thank you for this excellent piece about the Rattentbury case. George Percy Stoner was my father's half-brother. After doing my own research, over the years, I never believed GP committed the crime. I believe Grandfather claimed, at the trial, that George Percy was his only child, that was not true, he had four other children by another marriage before he married George Percy's mother. My father was also named George Stoner (George was his middle name but the one he went by). He was a policeman in Kent at the time of the murder. The trial, as you can imagine, made his life extremely difficult, although he eventually retired after thirty years with the rank of Inspector. I never knew my uncle and only found out about the Rattenbury case after the death of my father.

Hi, the thing is when Mrs Rattenbury made the statement that she thought she was strong enough and that she had made a muddle of it, this is the truth because most people who are inebriated usually speak the truth. I actually found and visited her grave, it wasn't too far from her Husbands who at the time I visited and looked through church records also was in an unmarked grave near where I lived near Bournemouth. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx ❤

I, along with everyone who has been following Mark's RU-vid channel for years, never cease to be astounded with the quality he brings to us. Sometimes I wonder if these series were ever televised whether they would add to the real life drama by having professional actors, directors, script writers, _et al_ , enacting the horrifying events. I do, however, worry that despite all their best efforts, the real magic that transforms us into silent witnesses following these tragic figures is Mark's creativity, his pathos for the people involved, and the appreciation not only for our contemporary perspective on what justice means, but also what it would have meant to the families, friends, and general public affected by those events around that time. Often, I find in Mark's meticulous work that life imitates the theatre, just as much as theatre imitates life. We traverse through brutality to scenes that seem so absurd that they border on comedy, and yet a few moments later we become uncertain whether to reach for the box of tissues as even the most hateful villain descends into depths even Oedipus and Faustus would pity. Rather than a televised butchering of what we lucky subscribers regard as treasure, I would nevertheless gratefully welcome a given opportunity, if ever possible, of Mark actually hosting a live event for an audience, perhaps with accompanying Powerpoint presentation to help illustrate the people and events of the time. For example, Temple Church would be an ideal location to host such an evening with its amazing acoustics. And then we could afterwards also treat Mark to a few drinks in the historic pubs nearby. Something like that in the precious little lifetime we all share, would truly be worth even more than getting away with murder!

The thought of Alma chasing the officer around, trying to kiss him, made me laugh. But, your artwork of that scene made it even funnier!

Thank you for covering this story so eloquently! I read this book, a few years ago and i must say, you have done a great job, covering all of the key points, so if someone unfamiliar with this story, is watching, they will be totally furnished with the facts. .... Incidentally, Mr Rattenbury's version of poor, is not quite on the same level as my version! £20'000.oo!!!!! WoW! Nowadays, during this recession, we are experiencing, here in The UK, some of us are lucky to have £20.oo, let alone £20'000.oo in our possession! ..... Thank you once again and please do keep up with the good work! xx

I get SO excited when these videos pop up. And thank you So much for not having ads. It takes me four or five listens to get thru a story. The stories are compelling enough that I can get into them, relax and fall asleep. And thats a massive compliment. Normally my anxious mind keeps me awake. The content and your voice is Utterly Perfect and no ads means I can actually fall asleep without some random advert screaming at me and waking me up! I go back to each video over and over again til I manage to complete the full story. Thank you for what you do!!

I was sooo thrilled to see there is a new video. I shouted so loud it startled my son. He didn't understand my excitement. Thank you Mark for your thorough work. It is always such a treat! I savor every word. You should narrate books. Good to hear you Mark.

Brilliant as always Mark! I had never heard this story before, how desperately, desperately tragic for all parties involved. Thank you for your hard work x

I L❤️VE your story telling voice 🥰, it's extremely relaxing! I suffer from insomnia and your voice helps me fall asleep. Thank you!!!!!!😴💕

John, I am delighted to support your channel! We all appreciate your historical research that illuminates your essays in the theater of the mind. THANK YOU for another wonderful story!

She most definitely killed him. Ah, Mark sublime storytelling once again. Thank you for the pleasure of listening to your wonderful prose.

This is my first trip to this channel and I am so pleasantly pleased! I know I’ll be listening to more. This story, howbeit tragic, was excellent! Sir, Thank you very much for your splendid and captivating story telling.

Only an hour and a half left of work! YAY! Super excited! Notification popped up during lunch break.

Lust destroys lives. Thank you Mr Maguire, your remarkable work is highly appreciated!

I look at my alerts and see a new crime story...I sit down, stop all I'm doing for a well deserved break. Thanks

I was just scrolling through the feed on my home page, & became ridiculously excited when this appeared in the feed! Thank you, kind sir!

Thank you for another brilliant video, Christchurch in the town where I live and you can still get down to where Alma took her life and the house still stands in Manor Road.

Always a treat when you record a story!! Thank you so very much! 🎉😍🎊

I am always amazed at the knack you have of selecting these stories, Mark. And how human you make the people involved. It'd be easy to paint all involved as monsters, but you are able to find the right words to make them fully fleshed out people. Whether that means the perpetrators are deserving of sympathy, wiser men than me will have to decide. Also, just like in your book, when you move from the facts of the case (which is always excellently done) to the effects it has on those involved (no spoilers for the end, for those who haven't listened yet), is where it really shone. The last 10 minutes had me waiting for what I was expecting, but you told the story in a way that still carried punch.

RU-vid failed to trigger a notification to me. Thankfully I was enjoying a slow start to the day and was delighted to see this tale. What a sad mess Rattenbury, Stoner and everyone encountered for themselves by coming together. Thank you Mr Maguire

I absolutely love when I see a new episode on here. Saving this one as my Friday night treat. Thank you Mark.

Dear MJM, Grateful to you for such absorbing and skillfully produced and delivered stories. Your discourse is like listening to a judicial archaeologist go to work. Bravo!

Very happy to hear you again on this channel. I very much enjoyed reading your book " The murder of Madame X" and agree with your thoughts. For anyone who hasn't read it yet, it is a pearl.

So glad to have you back!!

Just the ticket for my evening! Thank you as always Mark!

What utterly selfish people.

I'm so excited there's a new one! Thank you!

I'm glad Stoner got out of jail, got married, and had a child! I hope his wife was even tempered and filled with grace! I hope he never looked back with bitterness but looked ahead grateful. Anyone could be a fool at any time!

Mr. Maguire, So Happy to see another video by you! The pleasure is all OUR'S! I love your voice, presentations and wonderful sketches. Keep up the fabulous work! 💖 Chrissy

I always start checking to see if you've posted anything about 3 1/2 weeks after the last one . You are absolutely my favorite storyteller . 💝💝💝

Yay! A new story from my favorite storyteller! Thank you 😊

Wonderful and worth the wait as ever! I suspect Francis knew of the fling and found it a great source of relief, at first. Whoever said, "Find me the sexiest woman alive and I'll find you a man that's tired of her shit" must have had an 'Alma' of his own. I reckon it was the lavish spending more than the affair that led to the row that ended Francis' life. Troubling that they'd sentence a man to death on such questionable evidence. I do hope George found some peace in his later life. I think this may be one of your best posts yet. Your prose as always is top notch and the depth and detail you were able to gather and assimilate breathed life into these people. The dreamlike quality of the last sketch you did of Alma in that field of buttercups was particularly appropriate. Thanks for this and I look forward to the next one :)

What a magnificent voice you have! Thank you for your story 😊

I’ve silently watched for quite a while. Throughly enjoying your content. It’s time to come out. I’m a fan.

Another fascinating retelling of a classic case. I've read a lot about this tale and remained on the fence as to who was the guilty party. However, your explanation of events is very persuasive Mark. For those interested, if you type Alma Rattenbury into the search bar on RU-vid it reveals footage of Alma playing piano to one of her own compositions, 'Dark Haired Marie'. The singer is Frank Titterton. Thanks again.

Dear Mr MJM, thank you so very much for this incredibly strange case. You are without a doubt the best kept secret on RU-vid. Your work is thoroughly enjoyed . I usually listen twice! 🇺🇸❤️

Oh wow, this is one of my favorite yet! So awesome to come home from a long day at work and find this gem waiting for me. Your description of the "Burden of despair" is exquisite. "And yet it is pervasive. It has breached all defenses. It is in the citadel of reason itself." Well done!

Powerful, poignant, poetic. Another masterpiece!

OMG! I've been looking everyday for the past week to see if you had posted. I'm on the way to pick up my son from work and just happened to see where you finally did! 🙌 Thank you 😊

one of my absolute favourite crime stories

Both Alma ("Peace at last"), and George ("Both the Lady and I in a highly emotional state") deeply summed up the fact. Thank you.

Always amazed at your research to find these long forgotten cases. I have said it before your videos would make a ideal TV show. Imagine you could have actors playing the parts and of course you should be in the show as well.

Again, thank you for a gripping true-life mystery. Your stories are something I look forward to!

I was so happy when i logged on today and saw you had a new video for us!!! I had to do a double take and a smile came to my face and I've been looking forward to it all day. It's now quiet and I'm ready. Good to see you and hear you. Thankyou in advance for your research, your time and your work to do this.

Apologies if anyone else has commented on this but on RU-vid there is film of Frank Titterton with Alma Rattenbury at the piano singing one of her songs "Dark Haired Marie".

Always feels like a feast when I see a notification from "They got away..."😊 Thank you!

Always thrilled when I find a new one! Thankyou xx

You have the best voice...it is just so SOOTHING. You are discussing murder and mayhem but your voice makes me feel like I am relaxing in a hot bath. Do like.

Mark, have you ever considered having an event where you do what you do so well in front of an audience? I'm sure many people would pay handsomely for an evening of "They got away with murder" presented by you in person... Just a thought...

I was excited to see that you posted a new video. The level of research you do for each story results in outstanding quality, and your analysis of each case reveals your deep insight into the minds of troubled people. Just finished "The Murder of Madame X", and your illustrations were a delight. It's amazing that you found Sylvia and were able to provide such up-to-date information on the main characters and their descendants. I bought you some coffee, and will absolutely support you if you open a Patreon account.

My heart beams once in a few months I tell you. Thank you Mark.

Stayed up late because I had to see this! It was well worth me being unable to stay awake at work tomorrow, though. Your in-depth story telling and analysis is fascinating and fabulous. Thank you!

WOW, what a story, and you, Mr. McGuire, the consummate storyteller, once again told a very strange, and sad tale so well. Thank you so much for giving us histories we probably would never have known about. It, more than likely, didn't hurt Mrs. Rattenbury that she was a woman and a physically sick woman at that.

What a sad story! So many memorable images - her chasing the policeman for kisses - the lovers weekend spree - the jury taking only 48 minutes to come to a capital judgement - and of course the tragic turn of events at the end. A very strange case, one that I'd not heard of, some marvellous prose in here too! Thanks very much for all the hard work that goes into these "video essays", I'm amazed that you manage to fit everything in! Great work! :)

Love stories from the 1930’s. ✨ Thank you for posting.

Outstanding production. Thanks for these wonderfully told true crime stories.

Well...an absolute reason for happiness today is a new edition of this series of true crimes from long ago the sophistication and intellectual framing of which is unequaled nor ever likely to be. My sincere thanks for all your great work. A real pleasure in an increasingly coarse and tawdry world.

Are the dilated pupils in the photo of the rampant Alma a clue to her drug use? Up till 1960 cocaine, heroine, amphetamines and opium were quite common ingredients for many over the counter medicines for human and animal. Another well researched and presented doc. Thank you.

Whoa…I was on the edge of my chair! This tale had a lot of unpredictable turns…and a sad end.

Very skillfully done! Terrific reading voice and such interesting cases... you really bring these people to life again.

I lived in Bournemouth and did my chefs apprenticeship in 3 large hotels all on Manor rd so this was a fascinating watch. Thanks for your great story telling.

Hi Mark! I’m always so excited when I see a new post from you. I will most certainly buy you a coffee. Thank you! And, Alma did it. What a strange woman.

Another total winner from our favorite storyteller and artist! Excellent analysis, Mark! As always, looking forward to your next production. Cheers from So. Oregon, Danyel

I was hoping you'd cover this case! I remember reading about it when I was very young in a wonderful crime anthology called "The Edge of the Chair." Can't wait to listen!

I was asleep when you popped up. I must say, seeing this is just about the best thing to wake up to. I will stop in again when this has been listened to.

I watch and listen to your stories as I'm settling for bed and as soon as it's over. I'll wake up and listen again, and ,again , and again ..Thank you for such great work stay well sir and stay blessed .

Gosh, how good was that ! How on earth did she get away with this. Mind you I don't think Stoner was the sharpest tool in the shed either. While I had heard of this murder, Mark presented it in such a way to make this event, well, unforgettable. Another great presentation. Thank you sir. Folks, tell you friends about this channel, it needs more subscribers.

Mark you really are the sans pareil in the genre as shown in this gripping essay which filled my afternoon superbly as the dreaded rain splattered my window, which added to the drama! Thank yet again! Rob

So happy to see a new video from you. Thank you for all you do.

Another fine true life account of a murder, gotten away with! I never tire of your stories, and very much look forward to the next!

This channel is far and away the best.

Going to fangirl. The writing is exceptional, one of your finest pieces. Your legal argument was on point (IMHO). I fell in love with the train sketch..I'm not sure why. This was uploaded right before a I sat a three hour university exam. I so enjoyed this presentation with a coffee afterward. And I liked the red shirt! Done fangirling..Thanks Mark, you never fail to bring your best. 🌟☕

As a student at Glenlyon school, I was in the Rattenbury house in Victoria on an almost daily basis, beginning in 1966. The ménage a trois had occurred only 40 years earlier - well within the memories of many still living, including Major Simpson who bought the property, from Rattenbury I assume? around 1931, and moved the school there shortly thereafter. We all frequently saw the Major and his wife who lived in that very house while their son (now in his 90's) was the School Principal. All the students knew that the architect of the Legislative buildings and the Empress Hotel (at that time still nr 1 in Victoria) had lived in the house, but we were spared the sordid details...

Your best psychological exploration yet-and there have been some great ones!-of the mind of a murderer, fantastic work, thank you Mark You tell the story with such compelling detail and deep compassion, congratulations on a superb episode.

I love your scene art sketches, Mark. They are unique in style and visually pleasing to the eyes... of course... the story!! It is like I am there. Gracias, Sir.

Another highly enjoyable story. You have a lot of (deserved) compliments to read through in this comment section. But after that...get back to work! We're insatiable, and waiting...🧐

So good to see another upload from you. Really cheered me up 😊🙏🏽💐

Love your videos Mark, they are so well researched and you have such a natural voice for documentary television. I will buy you a coffee at some point but am unemployed at present and feeling the cost of living crisis!

I love your videos and your art work. I could listen to your narrative all day. Thank you again for your dedication and professionalism that is both entertaining and enlightening. I certainly hope the police and legal profession are more adept today.

It has been a while since I indulged your channel and I am pleased to be here again :)

Fantastic! Going to treat myself to a bottle of wine, sit down and listen to another wonderful retelling of devilish deeds. As always - thank you Mark

Another Gem. Thank you so very much.

Ahh....it brightens my week when there is a new video uploaded

What a poignant story! A great retelling. Thank you Mark! Nobody tells these murder mysteries better than you Mark....full of inner plausible emtions/motivations, detailed personalities, and your own wonderful illustrations along with historical photos. It is always such a treat to watch your channel. God bless!

i jumped up and down when i got the notification that you uploaded a new video!!!

You do such a wonderful job with these cases! Your narration is perfect!

As ever another fantastic case, I always look forward to a brand new story. Thank you again Mark for all your hard work.

Such a sad end to a man who left his lasting mark in Victoria, BC. So many beautiful buildings he designed one of which, Norfork House School is where his cottage is in swanky Oak Bay.

Your videos are hours of intriguing delight. I sit with my coffee and sketch and never notice the time. Thank you for taking the time to create such masterpieces, really, your production quality and the care you take in composing the whole story is a work of art.

You're back! Yay!

Thank you so much for another treat! I really love the way you tell us these story's 🖤

Second comment... there is a bookshop in Hay on Wye, the book town, called Murder, Mystery and Mayhem. It's a perfect shop to approach with publications. I would love to see some of your books in there. I really appreciate you not putting ads in. Its wonderful bedtime listening..your calm voice and well paced images. Too many times I've been jolted out of peaceful listening by ads. I am seriously skint at the moment.. but once my sales go up nearing Christmas I will be so pleased to buy you many coffees for the many hours I've enjoyed. I always listen to your content at least twice.

Another fantastic essay Mark and your voice and diction make the English language sound so beautiful! Thank you for you!