Mrs Green's Kettle and other Lincolnshire Acquittals

Three Lincolnshire women, Jane Bell, Elizabeth Dodds, and Ellen Green, were accused of killing their husbands with arsenic between 1845 and 1875. Despite circumstantial evidence and village gossip, they were all acquitted. Malcolm Moyes' book examines the evidence and factors that led to their acquittal, raising doubts about their innocence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Three Lincolnshire women, Jane Bell of Laceby, Elizabeth Dodds of Wrangle, and Ellen Green of Fishtoft, faced trial between 1845 and 1875 for the alleged murder of their husbands through the use of large quantities of arsenic. However, despite the overwhelming circumstantial evidence against them, these women were ultimately judged to be innocent of the crime. In his latest book, Malcolm Moyes delves into the comprehensive examination of the evidence against these women, often constructed from unsavoury rumours, village gossip, and downright lies. Moyes also offers a critical analysis of the various key factors that likely contributed to the acquittal of the women, despite all the odds.

While all three women were fortunate enough to avoid the hangman's noose, the final verdict of the jury may still leave modern readers with some doubts and questions concerning the innocence of the women. This is particularly true given the reactions of contemporary commentators on the cases.

Malcolm Moyes is the author of two other books on nineteenth-century Lincolnshire poison trials. "By Force of Circumstances: The Lefley Case Reopened" explores the controversial case of Ann Lefley, who was accused of poisoning her husband with arsenic but was eventually acquitted due to a lack of evidence. "Attired in Deepest Mourning: Eliza Joyce, Mary Ann Milner, and Priscilla Biggadike" examines the lives and trials of three women who were accused of poisoning their husbands with arsenic but were ultimately acquitted due to a combination of factors, including the strength of their alibis and the prejudices of the time.

These books by Moyes provide valuable insights into the history of nineteenth-century crime and justice, shedding light on the trials of these three women and the broader societal issues that they raised. They are essential reading for anyone interested in the history of crime, justice, and women's rights.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803135748