The Suspicions of Mr Whicher

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale: Episode 4

book-of-the-week_suspicions-of-mr-wicher_200715_s.jpg

Episode 4

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale, Episode 4

Years after the gruesome killing there is a surprise confession.

Years after the gruesome killing there is a surprise confession, but does it explain what happened? Read by Deborah Findlay.

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.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Audiobooks

Podcasts

Factual: Crime & Justice

Deborah Findlay reads from Kate Summerscale's account of a Victorian murder case

Deborah Findlay reads from Kate Summerscale's account of a Victorian murder case that gripped the nation

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale

Episode 4

Genres

Series

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra