Stuff You Missed in History Class
Hosted by Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode examines the notorious 19th-century British serial poisoner William Palmer, known as the Rugeley Poisoner, whose life of gambling, debt, and fraudulent insurance schemes culminated in his 1856 execution. The hosts detail Palmer's background in medicine and his systematic poisoning of close associates and family members—including his wife Ann, his brother Walter, and his racetrack friend John Parsons Cook—to collect life insurance payouts and cover mounting debts. Despite a botched postmortem and a lack of definitive physical evidence for strychnine in Cook's remains, Palmer was convicted based on circumstantial evidence, unrecorded poison purchases, and eyewitness testimony. The case ultimately inspired fictional works by Charles Dickens and Alfred Hitchcock.
Hosts Tracy and Holly welcome listeners and set the stage for the William Palmer story.
The hosts detail Palmer’s upbringing, early mischief, and the death of his father that shaped his future.
Palmer’s failed apprenticeships, medical studies, and growing gambling habit are explored.
The coroner’s inquests, court proceedings, and Palmer’s eventual execution are narrated.
Palmer’s plan to kill Cook with strychnine is revealed, including the preparation of the poison and the murder scene.
The hosts discuss how Palmer’s case influenced literature, film, and public perception of serial killers.
Hosts wrap up the episode, thank listeners, and provide sponsor information before ending the show.
A Deadly Horse Betting Partystory
John Parsons Cook wins thousands at the races, celebrates with brandy, and immediately experiences a burning throat after drinking with Palmer.
Botched Postmortem Examinationstory
Inexperienced medical students bungle the autopsy of John Parsons Cook, dropping organs while Palmer temporarily steals the stomach contents jar.
Unrecorded Strychnine Purchasesdata
Chemist assistants testify that Palmer purchased lethal doses of strychnine without recording the transactions in the legally required poison books.
Theoretical Medical Expert Testimonyinsight
Medical experts admit during the trial that none of them have ever actually witnessed strychnine poisoning in a human being.
Following just an hour and fifteen minutes of deliberation, the jury finds William Palmer guilty of the murder of John Parsons Cook.
Massive Spectacle at Executionstory
An estimated 35,000 spectators gather outside Stafford Prison to watch William Palmer's execution by hanging on June 14, 1856.
“William Palmer was consistently described as charming, and when Anne Thornton met him, she definitely found him so as well.”
“He had not recorded that purchase in the poison records, as required by law, because Palmer and the chemist, Mr. Salt, who we mentioned earlier, had a rather sour relationship, and Newton had not wished to anger his boss.”
“The coroner's jury declared this to be a willful murder.”
“The judge sentenced him to death.”
“Ultimately, although it was not found legally the case, Palmer was believed, in public opinion, to have committed as many as 15 murders, although all of the evidence involved was circumstantial.”
This 2021 episode covers William Palmer, who was convicted in 1855 as a poisoner though there wasn't any hard evidence. See omnystudio.com/listener https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8,164 words · 18 speakers
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