Poisoner in the Family: The Dark Tale of Ellen Heesom

Poisoner in the Family: The Dark Tale of Ellen Heesom
News of the Times Episode 491 | 1878
In today’s story we’re going back to Cheshire in the year 1878, where beneath the quiet surface of Warrington, a dark and deadly secret is about to be revealed.

It begins in late November 1877 with the sudden and tragic death of Lydia Sykes, aged 59, while visiting her daughter Ellen Heesom and her family. In good health when she arrived, Lydia became violently ill within hours and, despite receiving the usual treatments, passed away the very next day.

Her sudden death raised alarm bells — not only because of its swiftness, but because it echoed a tragedy just six weeks earlier: the death of Ellen’s 12-month-old daughter, Sarah Heesom.

Growing unease among neighbours and authorities led Lydia’s long-time doctor to take action. Disturbed by the circumstances, he requested an autopsy — and what followed uncovered a disturbing pattern of death within the family.

Soon, another daughter’s untimely passing was recalled… and the investigation took a chilling turn that would eventually draw in none other than Dr. Joseph Bell, the brilliant analyst widely referenced as the inspiration behind Sherlock Holmes himself.

But before we close, in our end of episode "Further Particulars" segment, we’ll shift gears and head into Victorian society for a lighter, if not slightly cruel tale — that of an unlucky amateur boxer who steps into the ring with a champion... only to become the laughingstock of his neighbourhood after defeat. Did his community rally behind him? Not quite.
Hosted by Robin Coles.

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