The Peasenhall Murder: An Edwardian Mystery

In May 1902, a severe storm hit the small village of Peasenhall, Suffolk. The following morning, Rose Harsent's body was found in her workplace, and initial assumptions of suicide were proven wrong due to her severe injuries and evidence of an attempted fire. With few suspects, the evidence gradually pointed towards William Gardiner, a respected community member with a loving family, a job, and church positions. However, a scandal from the previous year involving an affair with Rose had brought an inquest and made him a person of interest in the case. The discovery of a medicine bottle filled with paraffin near her body, along with letters from Gardiner, led to his arrest. Rose was also pregnant at the time of her death, raising the possibility of pregnancy as a motive. The book delves into the crime in detail, providing a captivating account of true crime and the Edwardian era in England.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In May 1902, a devastating storm struck the quaint village of Peasenhall, Suffolk. The following morning, the lifeless body of Rose Harsent was discovered within the confines of the house where she worked. Initially, the doctor attributed her death to suicide, but upon closer examination, her severe injuries and traces of an attempted fire revealed a different narrative. As investigators searched for the perpetrator, the list of potential suspects was relatively limited. However, as more details emerged, the evidence began to overwhelmingly point towards one individual: William Gardiner. William was a well-respected figure in the community, known for his loving family, his fulfilling job as a foreman carpenter at the local Seed Drill Works, and his active involvement in various church positions. However, a scandal from the previous year had cast a shadow over his reputation. It suggested an illicit affair between him and Rose, which had led to an inquest and remained a topic of gossip in the small village. This made William a prime suspect in the eyes of the police, and when a medicine bottle filled with paraffin was found near Rose's body, bearing the Gardiner family name, along with letters from him intermingling with her belongings, it became evident that he would face the charges of her murder. Adding to the intrigue, Rose was also pregnant at the time of her death. Could this have been the motive behind her tragic end?

The Peasenhall Murder delves into the intricate details of this crime, tracing the events from the initial scandal to the aftermath of the trial. It serves as a captivating read for enthusiasts of true crime and murder mysteries, particularly those intrigued by the Edwardian era of England. The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the case, providing a thorough account of the investigation, the evidence presented, and the theories surrounding the murder. It sheds light on the social and cultural context of the time, shedding light on the societal norms, values, and prejudices of the era. Through its meticulous storytelling, The Peasenhall Murder offers a compelling perspective on the events that unfolded in the village of Peasenhall, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the final resolution of the case.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399064378