murder Archives - Cumbrian Characters

William Horsley: victim of love

Posted on May 9, 2021July 15, 2025 by HarrietP

William Horsley of Penrith fell under the spell of his mother-in-law, Jane Davidson. And Jane Davidson was prepared to use magic, and ultimately murder (and a painful death herself) to keep him. The d... Read More

‘Most atrocious deed’: the Longburn murders

Posted on September 20, 2020July 15, 2025 by HarrietP

The Longburn murders of 1808 rocked Cumberland and beyond, for the way a man shown kindness ‘repaid’ it with brutality against two defenceless victims. Recorded in stone A gravestone near ... Read More

The Penrith death roll for 1895

Posted on September 6, 2020July 15, 2025 by HarrietP

‘The Penrith death roll for 1895’ sounds a dry title, but it has some interesting facts and figures. And led Cumbrian Characters to discover a tale of broken hearts, one of late love, and ... Read More

The Staffield Murder of 1856

Posted on July 19, 2020July 15, 2025 by HarrietP

The Staffield Murder of 1856 filled a lot of column inches in newspapers: likely the first and last time this little Cumbrian hamlet featured on the wider public consciousness. Whodunnit? While TV dra... Read More

Cumbrian Characters

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Tag: murder

William Horsley: victim of love

‘Most atrocious deed’: the Longburn murders

The Staffield Murder of 1856