1865. Bow Street, London. One April morning, Constance Kent, now 21, arrives at the magistrate's Court to confess a murder.

On being told she will be sent for trial, Constance sighs, as if in relief.

After a short trial, in which Constance pleads guilty, the judge passes the death sentence, and Constance's notoriety is assured. Her crime is extolled in broadside ballads of the day, and her figure takes pride of place in Madame Tussaud's, Chamber of Horrors.

But for a cold-blooded child murderer Constance has aroused an extraordinary level of sympathy, and within a matter of weeks, Queen Victoria spares her life. Only after the trial, do Constance's motives begin to come to light. Yet, somehow, the murder still doesn't add up....

Kate Summerscale's gripping account of the Victorian murder case that shook the nation.

Read by Deborah Findlay.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2008. Show less