Exploring the Gruesome 1868 Outrage and Murder in Scotland
News of the Times Episode 444 | 1869
In today’s episode, we journey back to Scotland to the year 1868 — a time of change. And at the heart of it, a crime so chilling in its day, it would capture international attention.
Robert Smith, a young drifter, and man of occasional employment one fateful day, visits a house with a lone middle aged woman with a nefarious plan in mind.
However, his plan is diverted when a nine-year-old girl crosses his path. Her errand of fetching groceries becomes her last journey. She never makes it to the store.
But Smith isn’t finished. Believing he has only one witness, he returns to silence the lone woman forever.
And so, in Dumfries, Scotland, in front of a silent crowd, Robert Smith would meet his end — his execution marking the final public hanging in Scottish history.
In our further particulars segment at the end of this episode, we take a look at one of final assignments of England’s most prolific executioner, William Calcraft. The man who hanged hundred would soon hang up his own noose.
Hosted by Robin Coles.

#NewsofTheTimes #truecrimedocumentary #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #victorian #history #scotland

Patreon: patreon.com/NewsoftheTimesHistoricalCrime
YouTube Chronicle of the Times: @chronicleofthetimes2024

EPISODE
If you like this, here are links to some other recommended videos:
1868: Frances Kidder– the Last female Public Execution | Ep100
https://youtu.be/zK4WuKx9p8k
1865-1920: Madness, Mayhem and Murder on the Railways | Ep106
https://youtu.be/TgAqhsp3xdY
1869: The Pantin Massacre | Ep125
https://youtu.be/PmxL0CE5iUY
1865: Dr Edward Pritchard | Ep131
https://youtu.be/w0XXXGnE-6g
1866: The Todmorden Murders | Ep137
https://youtu.be/wDrB26rPxWQ
1859-1861: Forgotten Fridays 1859-1861 | Ep142
https://youtu.be/4SXWSqdr9Mw
1869 - 1898: Joseph Vacher - The French Ripper | Ep159
https://youtu.be/-yBOUy0ZTs8
1862: Martin Dumollard: The Maid Killer | Ep179
https://youtu.be/Bx-GZSxRAec

***
Who are News of the Times?
We are an independent group of historians, researchers , and actor with a passion for historical crime!

Unlocking the Vaults of Historical Crime, your gateway to a captivating journey through the darker pages of history. We dive deep into the annals of crime, unearthing forgotten stories, unsolved mysteries, and notorious criminals from the past.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! You can also connect with us on
Our YouTube Channel: | https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our Facebook Page: | https://www.facebook.com/News-of-the-Times-101108282697405
Have a question or comment? Get in touch with us at newsofthetimespodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to donate, we love coffee! Warmly appreciated :-) | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newsofthetd

A Shocking 1824 Irish Exorcism Gone Wrong
News of the Times Episode 443 | 1824
In today’s episode, we travel back to 1824, Ballymore, Ireland, where one extraordinary case shakes the community to its core, revealing the deep divides within the country.
The Rev. Mr. John Carroll is on a self-proclaimed mission to cast out devils from the poor and afflicted of the area. Some argue that he is more interested in crafting a reputation as a living saint. Regardless, his following is large and devout.
On one particular day in June 1824, Rev. Carroll announces his intention to work miracles, drawing hundreds of onlookers eager to witness his divine acts.
In a shocking twist, his so-called miracles include stomping out demons—literally. But his actions don’t stop there. When he encounters a crying three-year-old girl, his focus turns to her, leading to events that would send shockwaves through Ireland and England.
This infamous case left a lasting mark on history.
Further delving into the bizarre and creepy, today’s end of episode further particulars story also hails from Ireland. It involves medical students, skeletons, and an event out of a horror film.

Hosted by Robin Coles.

#NewsofTheTimes #truecrimedocumentary #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #victorian #history

Patreon: patreon.com/NewsoftheTimesHistoricalCrime
YouTube Chronicle of the Times: @chronicleofthetimes2024

EPISODE
If you like this, here are links to some other recommended videos:
1828-1831: The Burkers - Feeding the Dissectors | Ep32v
https://youtu.be/X6JLDHpEZ1Q
1777 - 1829: England's Grave Robbers - The Resurrectionists | 148v
https://youtu.be/hv-P9ie6JWM
1767 - 1829: Employers Who Torture | Ep40v
https://youtu.be/ptzDW7hwK4M
1663 - 1829: Stories of Executioners | 170
https://youtu.be/CdRFl4ajEHg
1869: The Pantin Massacre | Ep103
https://youtu.be/hqyQKRbbRYI
1819-1821: Forgotten Fridays 1819-1821 | Ep136
https://youtu.be/6fN5jGJ3OlU
1760 + 1825: Aristocracy: Murder and Scandal | Ep162
https://youtu.be/doAw2ylI1eo

***
Who are News of the Times?
We are an independent group of historians, researchers , and actor with a passion for historical crime!

Unlocking the Vaults of Historical Crime, your gateway to a captivating journey through the darker pages of history. We dive deep into the annals of crime, unearthing forgotten stories, unsolved mysteries, and notorious criminals from the past.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! You can also connect with us on
Our YouTube Channel: | https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our Facebook Page: | https://www.facebook.com/News-of-the-Times-101108282697405
Have a question or comment? Get in touch with us at newsofthetimespodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to donate, we love coffee! Warmly appreciated :-) | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newsofthetd

News of the Times Episode 442 | 1883 - 1927
In today’s episode, we dive into the twisted case of James Kelly, whose story begins in 1883 with the tragic murder of his new wife. Initially found guilty, Kelly’s sentence is commuted after being declared insane, leading to his confinement at Broadmoor. But in 1888, Kelly escapes—around the same time the Ripper murders begin—and suspicion grows that he could be the infamous killer.
Kelly’s path takes him to France and America, fueling theories that he may have continued his killing spree abroad. Over the years, Kelly makes multiple attempts to turn himself in, only for law enforcement to miss opportunities to capture him. In 1927, a broken and deaf Kelly knocks on Broadmoor’s door, requesting to return—a truly bizarre and unique case in criminal history.
Join us as we explore the strange and eerie journey of James Kelly, murderer, asylum inmate, and potential Jack the Ripper suspect.
For those who like the bizarre, our end of episode "Further Particulars" segment delves into a mystic's attempt to contact the Ripper's victims to help solve the case.
Hosted by Robin Coles.

#NewsofTheTimes #truecrimedocumentary #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #victorian #history #jacktheripper

Patreon: patreon.com/NewsoftheTimesHistoricalCrime
YouTube Chronicle of the Times: @chronicleofthetimes2024


***
Who are News of the Times?
We are an independent group of historians, researchers , and actor with a passion for historical crime!

Unlocking the Vaults of Historical Crime, your gateway to a captivating journey through the darker pages of history. We dive deep into the annals of crime, unearthing forgotten stories, unsolved mysteries, and notorious criminals from the past.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! You can also connect with us on
Our YouTube Channel: | https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our Facebook Page: | https://www.facebook.com/News-of-the-Times-101108282697405
Have a question or comment? Get in touch with us at newsofthetimespodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to donate, we love coffee! Warmly appreciated :-) | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newsofthetd