Rex v Edith Thompson: A Tale of Two Murders

The article is about the trial and execution of Edith Thompson, who was hanged for the murder of her husband Percy with her lover Frederick Bywaters in 1922. The article explores perceptions of women in early twentieth-century Britain and questions whether Edith was truly guilty or a victim of societal vilification.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2018
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Another dark parable of society's vilification of women, this tantalizing investigation by Kate Colquhoun delves into the tragic events of the night of October 3, 1922, when Edith Thompson and her husband Percy were walking home in the quiet suburb of Ilford, only to be met with a shocking act of violence. As they made their way back from a night at the London theatre, a man emerged from the darkness and stabbed Percy to death, leaving Edith devastated and accused of being his accomplice. The assailant turned out to be Frederick Bywaters, a twenty-year-old merchant seaman who had been Edith's lover. Despite her protests of innocence, Edith was arrested and charged with murder.

What makes this case particularly intriguing is the remarkable love letters Edith wrote to Freddy, some of which were couched in ambiguous language. These letters were read out at their trial for murder at the Old Bailey, sealing Edith's fate and leading to her and Freddy's execution in January 1923. While Freddy was demonstrably guilty, the question remains: Was Edith truly so?

In her masterful exploration, Laura Thompson charts the course of a liaison with thrice-fatal consequences, providing a shattering detail of the events that unfolded. Through her investigation, Thompson seeks to unravel what the trial and execution of Edith Thompson tell us about perceptions of women in early twentieth-century Britain. She delves into the societal norms and expectations that shaped women's lives at that time, as well as the prejudices and biases that led to Edith's wrongful conviction and execution.

One of the most striking aspects of this case is the way in which Edith's love letters were used against her. Despite her protests of innocence, the letters were interpreted as evidence of her complicity in Percy's murder. The ambiguous language used in the letters was seen as a sign of her deceitful nature, and it was used to cast doubt on her credibility. This highlights the power of language and the way in which it can be manipulated to shape public opinion and influence the course of justice.

Furthermore, Thompson's investigation sheds light on the broader societal context in which Edith's case occurred. The early twentieth century was a time of significant social and cultural change, but women were still largely marginalized and discriminated against. Women were expected to adhere to strict gender roles and were often subjected to sexual harassment and violence. Edith's case was a stark reminder of the dangers women faced in a society that still held them in contempt.

Despite the tragic outcome of Edith's case, Thompson's investigation provides a valuable insight into the complexities of gender relations and the power of societal perceptions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of challenging stereotypes and prejudices and of the need to ensure that justice is blind to gender and other forms of discrimination.

In conclusion, this captivating investigation by Kate Colquhoun delves into the tragic events of the night of October 3, 1922, and explores the societal vilification of women in early twentieth-century Britain. Through her masterful exploration, Laura Thompson charts the course of a liaison with thrice-fatal consequences, providing a shattering detail of the events that unfolded. By investigating what the trial and execution of Edith Thompson tell us about perceptions of women in early twentieth-century Britain, Thompson sheds light on the broader societal context in which Edith's case occurred and highlights the importance of challenging stereotypes and prejudices. This case serves as a reminder of the need to ensure that justice is blind to gender and other forms of discrimination and that women are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 193 x 132 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784082468