Pod Insights British Scandal The Case of the Missing Aristocrat | Butcher or Baronet | 2 About this episode Arthur Orton is inching towards victory. But when an untimely death forces him to prove his identity in court, the game steps up. Now he must convince the world he’s Sir Roger Tichborne, or face public humiliation—and a one-way ticket to pennilessness.
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0:00 Alice Levine? Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of British Scandal ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.
0:12 Alice Levine? Oh, Matt, you're here. Great. We can get started.
0:15 Matt Forde? Well, I've got no idea who Matt is meant to be, but it's great to be here, Alice, and I want to pay tribute to the wonderful way in which you've presented this this year. I'm, of course, Boris Johnson, former and potentially future Prime Minister of the UK.
0:32 Alice Levine? Right. Are you are you acting like Boris Johnson for any reason in particular? Because this this series is not about Boris Johnson.
0:39 Matt Forde? Well, I am him, and I want to, I want to make it up to you that, you know, any suggestion to the, what was it, the alternative is a is a is a slur, you know, an inverted pyramid of piffle.
0:54 Alice Levine? So you want me to believe that you are Boris Johnson, even though it's Matt stood in front of me?
0:59 Matt Forde? I've never heard so much nonsense spoken, not even in the house. Come on. Look, I am genuinely Boris Johnson. I think you could verify that very easily. I take it as a great personal sight that you don't accept the truth before your eyes.
1:15 Alice Levine? OK. Initially, I thought you were doing sort of like a funny bit or something. But now I'm looking at you with fresh eyes. You do actually look very like him. I don't know if it's the hair or the body or like there is, like, there is a real resemblance.
1:30 Matt Forde? Come on, man. I was joking.
1:35 Alice Levine? August 1868, whopping London.
1:42 Alice Levine? Charlie Orton runs through the high street's filthy puddles, skidding to a halt underneath a railway bridge. He checks to make sure the necklace he's just stolen isn't soaked. He's about to set off again when he catches sight of a short man in a trilby hat watching him from across the road. He takes a few tentative steps, glances back, sees the man is following. He picks up the pace, not daring to look again.
2:11 Alice Levine? Minutes later, he bursts into the Globe pub. Charlie heads straight to the bar. Whisky, double.
2:20 Alice Levine? Only once the liquid has hit the back of his throat, does Charlie allow his eyes to dart back to the pub's doorway. To his relief, it remains empty. He smiles at the barmaid. Cats and dogs out there. Give us another for the road.
2:37 Matt Forde? I hope he's savouring the taste of this whisky. I'm only recently part of the whisky community, but one thing that annoys those of us in the whisky community is the way whisky is depicted in films. People just lob it back. You're meant to let it brush the tongue. You're meant to savour these drinks over many minutes.
2:52 Alice Levine? It's a little bit like oysters. I don't know if you're oyster au fait. I've been hocking those back. You're supposed to be chewing it, I think, because otherwise it's just down the throat.
3:04 Matt Forde? I've never had an oyster, but it doesn't look like something you want to chew. Really swirl that snot around your mouth. No thanks.
3:14 Alice Levine? Charlie tosses his remaining pennies onto the bar. His heart nearly stops as a soaking-wet trilby lands on top of them. He slowly raises his eyes to see a man standing beside him. Is there something I can do for you?
3:32 Alice Levine? Charlie's heart thuds. Finally, the man speaks. It's Charlie, right? Charlie squeaks out his answer. Who's asking? The man doesn't reply. Instead, he nods his head towards a table in the corner. Too scared to argue, Charlie leads them to it and sits.
3:54 Alice Levine? The man pulls up a stool. With trembling hands, Charlie pulls the necklace from inside his coat. It's just an old bit of jewellery. Nothing serious. The man seems to darken. He reaches into his pocket. Charlie holds his breath, expecting a handcuff to be slapped around his wrist. But he's thrown when the man takes out a photograph instead. I'm not interested in that. Do you know this fella? Charlie relaxes his shoulders. As he focuses on the photo, his eyes widen. The person in it is older and fatter than he remembers. His well-tailored suit makes him look far grander. But Charlie would know him a mile off.
4:43 Alice Levine? Never seen him before. Charlie picks up his drink, but the man leans in closer. That's funny. I have it on good authority you know him well. Very well.
4:57 Alice Levine? Charlie stays on the man as he lifts an envelope from his pocket, pushes it towards him. He can't resist easing it open and takes a sharp intake of breath at the bundle of notes within it. It's more money than he's ever seen. I'll ask again. Do you recognize this man?
5:19 Alice Levine? Charlie looks from the money back to the photograph. He sees the name Sir Roger Tichborne scrawled across the bottom. But he knows perfectly well that's not who this man is. It's his little brother. Arthur Orton.
5:36 Alice Levine? Charlie's heart races as he weighs the envelope in his hands before he looks at the man sitting before him and grins.
5:45 Alice Levine? I'll tell you anything you want to know.
6:28 Matt Forde? Alice, avez-vous déjà demandé pourquoi le Mini est si petit ?
6:32 Alice Levine? Le t-shirt ou le Magnum ?
6:34 Matt Forde? Je voulais dire l'icône voiture britannique parce que en 1956, la fournirance d'huile de Bretagne a été abruptement arrêtée. La rationnerie de pétrole a été introduite et l'industrie automobile a commencé à chercher un véhicule qui n'utilisait pratiquement pas de carburant. Entrez le Mini.
6:48 Alice Levine? Interessant, mais en fait pas de matériel de série Scandal britannique techniquement.
6:53 Matt Forde? La raison pour laquelle ils ont dû sauver le pétrole est parce que le Premier ministre a commencé une guerre et a menti à propos de pourquoi.
6:59 Alice Levine? Ok, siren de scandale qui sonne.
7:01 Matt Forde? Je suis Matt Ford.
7:02 Alice Levine? Et je suis Alice Levine.
7:03 Matt Forde? Et notre dernière série Scandal britannique implique une réunion secrète dans une villa française, un Premier ministre qui se déploie d'amphétamines.
7:09 Alice Levine? Un président Égyptien que tout le monde a imaginé, la fin de l'Empire britannique et au cœur de ça, un canal.
7:16 Matt Forde? C'est la histoire de la piste des eaux.
7:19 Alice Levine? Faites attention à Scandal britannique partout où vous obtenez vos podcasts ou écoutez tôt et gratuitement sur Audible.
7:30 Alice Levine? Je suis Alice Levine.
7:31 Matt Forde? Et je suis Matt Ford.
7:32 Alice Levine? Et c'est British Scandal.
7:43 Alice Levine? Ok, Matt, je veux savoir ce que vous pensez d'Arthur Orton, qui est actuellement, bien sûr, prétendant être roger-titch-bourne. Il a aussi gagné un peu de poids et il a oublié comment parler son langue maternelle, le français, mais ne vous inquiétez pas de ça.
7:55 Matt Forde? Il y a de nombreux aspects d'Arthur Orton. Clairement, il est un opportuniste et il a vu l'opportunité de cleared ses dettes et de sécuriser un avenir pour sa famille. Donc, son moteur de conduite est financier. Il est un peu idiot parce qu'il ne peut pas convaincre tout le monde et il n'a pas vraiment fait beaucoup d'efforts dans le département de l'accent. Il est définitivement un peu maléfique parce qu'il est prêt à exploiter une mère triste à la face, mais il est aussi vraiment un peu un génie maléfique parce que sa capacité à l'inconvaincre...
8:26 Matt Forde? Is incredible. So there are lots of things all tied together, all of which are a little bit horrible.
8:33 Alice Levine? Though in the face of logic and rationale, he's still managed to make this a viable explanation. Do you think that you would be good in a situation like this?
8:44 Matt Forde? Only if it was Boris Johnson or Donald Trump who died, and I could only rely on their voice, then I would back myself to inherit their fortune. Anyone else, and I wouldn't have the cojones.
8:58 Alice Levine? He's not even thought about doing an aristocratic voice. He's not even tried. I mean, he's tried very little. He hasn't even tried to shift the pounds that would make his figure more in line with the person he's impersonating. In fact, he essentially went on a luxury cruise and just ate lots of fatty meats on his way to meet his long-lost mother in inverted commas. So he hasn't been method, I would say, in his attempt to embody Roger Tichborne.
9:23 Matt Forde? If I was to go back in time and advise him, I'd say 10,000 steps a day, get a vocal coach.
9:28 Alice Levine? Well, Matt, hindsight is 2020 with one twitchy eye. When we left Arthur last time, he was in a darkened room, face to face with the woman he is now calling Mama. Let's see if she believes him. This is episode two, Butcher or Baronet?
9:46 Alice Levine? Christmas Day, 1866, Marlerbone, London. The dowager Lady Henriette Tichborne keeps her eyes firmly on the man on the bed, the man she wants so much to be her Roger. She knows exactly how to satisfy herself that it's him. She leans in closer. Your left ankle. Show me. The man eyes her with confusion. She can wait no longer to find out. She pulls back the bed sheet, grabs his leg, and yanks down the sock stretched over his calf.
10:22 Matt Forde? The last thing you want when you're ill is people trying to pull your clothes off.
10:27 Alice Levine? It is quite a mum with a teenager energy, though. You know, when it's like 11 o'clock on a Saturday and they wrench the duvet off, like, right, that's it, open the curtain, right, we're up now.
10:36 Matt Forde? 11's liberal.
10:38 Alice Levine? This is why the Levine kids are off the rails.
10:41 Matt Forde? The state of your ankles.
10:45 Alice Levine? There, just as she prayed, is the small scar Roger has had since suffering a fall as a boy. Oh Roger, mon Roger. The dowager tries to embrace him again, but to her horror, he pulls away. I knew there would be doubters, Mama, but I never thought you would be one. As he turns his face from her, the dowager's cheeks burn with shame. I am so sorry, my darling, but for you to not know your mother tongue, for just a moment, I... She watches as Mary Anne rushes over to comfort him. The dowager is overwhelmed with panic. She can't lose her son again.
11:27 Alice Levine? Of course it is you. I beg of you, forgive an old foolish woman. She falls silent. Then, to her relief, she feels his big, warm hand on hers. Oh, Mama, I can't stay angry at you. Why wouldn't you question who I am? When I've become such a mess of a man. The dowager gasps. No, you could never be that. The very size of me. I used to be so slim. You must be sickened.
11:58 Matt Forde? I have a similar conversation with my mum when I go home for Christmas. I'm like, look, it's just been an indulgent year. Get off my back about it.
12:05 Alice Levine? I don't recognise you, Matt. I can't believe it's you.
12:10 Alice Levine? The dowager squeezes his hand tighter. No, all the Tijbon men widen this way in middle age, and you... The dowager feels her voice catching her throat. You are a man now. You are no longer my little boy. I'm sorry it took me so long to come back. We exchanged such angry words when I left. I... I called you sour and suffocating. Can you ever forgive me?
12:40 Alice Levine? The dowager feels her heart break. She pulls him close, grips him tightly. Of course, my darling boy, but can you forgive me? The dowager presses him into her bosom, overwhelmed with emotion. This is her son, her Roger. She is going to make up for all those lost years by giving him everything she has. And she will never, ever doubt him again.
13:17 Alice Levine? A minute later.
13:19 Alice Levine? Arthur's heart thuds so hard, he feels it could burst from his chest. Nestled against the dowager, he scrunches his nose at the florid smell of his new mother's overpowering scent. I wonder, dear Mama, how quickly I will be able to access funds from my estate. We're in need of so many things for our new child. I understand, my dear, but I fear it will take time. The heir to the Baron at sea, as it currently stands, is your infant nephew. Arthur can't help but pull back. He eyes her with confusion. I, I'd assumed my estate could just be signed over. Now I've returned.
14:05 Alice Levine? He adds an edge of annoyance. After all, it is my birthright.
14:10 Matt Forde? This guy, his mother is in deep distress, who's not really his mum, and he's gonna choose that moment to really press home the fact that he wants this money, which it seems slightly risky. Then he finds out that actually, some poor child whose dad has died is getting this money, who is actually related to these people, and he's fully prepared to say, no, no, no, actually, I, as the fake son, want the money from your actual relatives who dearly need it.
14:37 Alice Levine? It is not much, I'm afraid, barely a thousand pounds a year. I would give more, but my pension is modest, as is my apartment in Paris. But we will make do, non? Arthur tries to hide his horror. You want us to live in Paris with you?
14:56 Matt Forde? Arthur, you've got to try and pretend to care about your mum. At least say, yeah, yeah, it'd be great.
15:02 Alice Levine? Plus, your kid will love Disneyland Paris, there's the Pompidou, the Louvre, there's so much to do.
15:07 Matt Forde? Going to see PSG.
15:11 Alice Levine? The dowager looks flustered. Of course I will write to your late brother's widow. Ever since he died, I have been paying his wife a monthly allowance. But it must all go to you. The annual income generated from Tichborne Park is at least £20,000. He can't exchange that for a paltry allowance and a room in a musty flat. He holds the dowager's gaze. I am the heir, and it's my greatest wish that we return to Hampshire, live there happily, as we did for so long. Surely, if we talk to the family? At first, the dowager seems unsure, but he stays on her, willing her to crumble. Finally...
15:56 Alice Levine? My sweet Roger, oh, he's so big-hearted. I will arrange a meeting.
16:03 Alice Levine? Arthur knows he's setting himself a tough task, one that was never part of the plan. But if he's going to get his hands on Sir Roger's fortune, having the dowager on side won't be enough. He's going to have to convince the entire family that he is the rightful heir to Tichborne Park. And he needs to start now.
16:28 Alice Levine? February 1867, Mayfair, London.
16:34 Alice Levine? Alfred Seymour adjusts his collar as he knocks on the large oak door of the dowager's temporary London residence.
16:42 Alice Levine? His sister greets him breathlessly as he steps inside. Ah, please, come, come. Alfred is still removing his jacket when he looks up to regard the enormous gentleman shuffling towards him. It's so hard to believe this can really be his missing nephew, Sir Roger. Uncle Alfred, it's so good to see you. How goes it in the Commons? Alfred shakes his outstretched hand.
17:09 Speaker 02 Oh, much ballyhoo and shouting. Some things never change.
17:14 Matt Forde? Tell me about it.
17:16 Alice Levine? Alfred's sister grips his arm in excitement.
17:20 Alice Levine? Isn't it wonderful? He simply could not wait to see you again. Alfred pats the dowager's hand and watches as Sir Roger ushers in more family. His cousins Catherine and Antonia. Then he greets his late brother's widow and her son, the infant heir. My dear boy, it's so wonderful to meet you at last.
17:42 Matt Forde? When he says that, he's trying to take this kid's money.
17:45 Alice Levine? Also, is this kid a baby? So is he like, I am watching you sunshine? And this eighteen month old is like, hmm?
17:53 Alice Levine? Watching Roger take his tiny hands, Alfred is moved. And when they sit down to eat, he can't help but enjoy Roger regaling them with memories of Tichborne Park. Cousin Catherine, do you remember how I used to scoop tiny minnows from the lake in my hands? You were appalled. A foul little devil, you called me.
18:14 Alice Levine? Alfred watches Sir Roger greedily annihilate a chicken thigh, spitting fat through the gaps in his teeth. The Roger he knew would never have eaten like that. But he reasons that years living in the new world would make a savage of anyone.
18:29 Matt Forde? Quite a snobby take on life in Australia.
18:32 Alice Levine? Yeah, quite. Also, I would say the way he's eating that is actually sort of King Henry VIII style. I would say that that's an upper class way of annihilating a chicken leg.
18:42 Matt Forde? I'll tell you what, you go to the House of Lords canteen and see the way they eat in there, they are like wild animals at a trough.
18:50 Alice Levine? As his eyes move to his smiling sister, he finds himself softening further. He likes this new, more relaxed Sir Roger, and clearly she does too. Alfred excuses himself as he leaves the table to get his smokes. He spots his jacket in the study and rifles through the pockets for his cigarette case. Then his eyes fall on a pile of papers on the writing bureau. He smiles at his sister's sentimentality. It's a pile of old letters that were sent by Sir Roger to the dowager. Some were written from boarding school, others from the army. But as Alfred scans the pages, he feels a cold shiver run through him.
19:33 Alice Levine? His eyes rest on a sentence in one. "Sometimes I miss Cousin Catherine, even though she was so often offended by me. Last time she came to TP, she screamed I was a foul little devil for fishing for minnows with my hands."
19:50 Alice Levine? Alfred picks up another letter, then another, his panic rising as he finds in each letter verbatim phrases and stories to the one Sir Roger has just shared with him and the family at the dinner table. He feels a chill run down his spine as he realises in horror that it isn't his sister that's been reading these letters. It's Sir Roger. Is the man he's just met really his long-lost nephew? Or a masterful con man who's planning to take his sister, his entire family, himself for every penny they're worth? Alfred quickly pockets the letters. He's going to put Sir Roger to the test, and he has just the place in mind.
20:41 Alice Levine? March 1867, Tichborne Park, Alsford, Hampshire. Arthur tentatively leads Alfred Seymour down a long hallway, trying to look like he knows where he's going. He tries to steady his nerves as Alfred stops beside a painting of a chestnut-coloured horse.
20:59 Speaker 02 "I remember this beauty. Yours, wasn't she? What ever was her name?"
21:06 Alice Levine? Arthur studies it, searching his memory for the name of the horse he's read about. "Horsy."
21:15 Matt Forde? "Yes, uh, horsy, horsy, horsy."
21:20 Alice Levine? "My memory's patchy, but I'm sure this is my darling Blaze." Alfred stays silent for a beat, then he breaks into a smile.
21:31 Speaker 02 "Blaze, of course, of course."
21:34 Alice Levine? Arthur walks on more confidently. Getting into his stride, he points out portraits that feature faces he knows from the Dowager's photographs. Soon to Arthur's relief, Alfred takes the lead, ushering them into a grand ballroom.
21:49 Speaker 02 "Ah, this takes me back to your coming-of-age ball. A wonderful night."
21:56 Alice Levine? Arthur can't believe his luck. During his first days as an army cadet, Sir Roger wrote the dowager a letter talking about that very evening, and he knows every detail of it. Indeed. What was it you said in your speech? He was such a weedy boy. We worried he wasn't up to the job. But now, we could not wish for a better man than Roger to continue the baronetcy. Alfred chuckles.
22:24 Speaker 02 I hope you took that in the spirit it was intended.
22:28 Alice Levine? Arthur hears the familiar sound of the dowager's heels clicking down the corridor. As she and the house's resident lady Theresa enter, Arthur greets them excitedly.
22:39 Speaker 02 Dear sister-in-law, Mama, please join us. Uncle Alfred and I have so enjoyed getting reacquainted.
22:46 Alice Levine? Both women smile, but Arthur senses a shift of mood in Alfred, who regards them more cautiously.
22:53 Speaker 02 Good day to you both.
22:56 Alice Levine? Alfred hesitates before looking at Arthur with a new coldness in his eyes. The hairs on the back of Arthur's neck stand up.
23:05 Speaker 02 Now that both you ladies are here, it's my duty to tell you something.
23:11 Alice Levine? Arthur watches as Alfred turns and points his finger straight at him.
23:15 Speaker 02 I'm sorry to say that I believe this man to be an impostor.
23:22 Alice Levine? The dowager lets out a gasp. Alfred begins to pace the room, his hands behind his back.
23:30 Speaker 02 Firstly, he wrongly identified his favourite horse. The picture on the wall is not Blaze. It's a mare that arrived here after Sir Roger left.
23:41 Matt Forde? Come on, mate. I mean, all horses look the same.
23:46 Speaker 02 Uncle Alfred, with my amnesia. Secondly, the detailed description he gave of my speech at his coming-of-age party, so detailed in fact, it matches this, word for word.
24:00 Alice Levine? To Arthur's horror, Alfred reaches into his coat pocket and takes out one of Roger's letters, which he places in the dowager's trembling hands.
24:10 Speaker 02 I consulted experts in this area, barristers, medics. They all say people do not recall details in this way. These facts have been learned, not remembered.
24:25 Alice Levine? Arthur wants to snap back, but he can't afford to dig an even bigger hole. All he can do is hold his breath and wait for the dowager's inevitable meltdown.
24:36 Alice Levine? He's imagining the handcuffs, the bunk on the boat back to Australia, the stinking jail. He watches as the dowager raises herself up to her full height. He bows his head.
24:48 Speaker 02 How could you treat my Roger this way? Ah, his mother have fully recognized him.
24:54 Alice Levine? Arthur steps back in surprise as the dowager positions herself between him and Alfred.
25:01 Speaker 02 Mine is the only opinion that matters. By casting doubt on it, you cast doubt on my sanity. I demand you leave right now.
25:11 Alice Levine? Arthur stares stunned as the dowager moves her eyes towards Lady Theresa.
25:17 Speaker 02 All of you, you are trespassers. My boy is the rightful heir, not yours.
25:25 Alice Levine? Arthur realizes the dowager will take on anyone who dares question his credentials and who will really argue with a mother's identification of her son. He walks to the dowager's side, eyeballs Alfred.
25:41 Speaker 02 You will do as Mama asks. I'm sorry it's come to this.
25:48 Alice Levine? Arthur takes the dowager's hand, stares Alfred down. He's ready to live the life of a baronet and wobertide anyone who tries to stop him.
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27:35 Alice Levine? Eight months later, November 1867, the Swan Public House, Alsford. Arthur takes a swig of ale,
27:45 Alice Levine? then produces a shiny silver box inscribed with the Tichborne family crest, one of the many trinkets he's acquired since installing himself in Tichborne Park.
27:56 Alice Levine? He lifts out some tobacco and sniffs it, before offering it to the estate hands round the table.
28:02 Speaker 02 Fill your boots, boys.
28:04 Alice Levine? As they dig in gratefully, Arthur's contentment is shattered by a familiar voice. Roger, I thought this afternoon we were going to have a picnic.
28:13 Matt Forde? Oh, mum, I just want to go to the pub and sniff tobacco.
28:17 Alice Levine? Could you imagine your mum turning up at the pub with a picnic basket?
28:21 Matt Forde? You're not even my real mum. What?
28:26 Alice Levine? Arthur grimaces. Everything would be perfect if it weren't for the omnipresence of the dowager. She refuses to return to Paris, but he can't risk losing her support or the weekly allowance she provides.
28:41 Speaker 02 Oh, Mama, I forgot. Perhaps afternoon tea instead? Why don't you go back and instruct the maid to prepare it? I shall follow in due course.
28:55 Alice Levine? Four hours later, Arthur drains his glass and stands to leave, when the landlord shuffles over awkwardly. I wonder, Sir Roger, if you would be kind enough to settle your account. The landlord blushes as he hands Arthur a large bill. His heartbeat quickens as he stares at the months of credit. He starts to make a show of looking inside his purse, when one of the locals pipes up.
29:21 Speaker 02 Oh, come on, Bob. Sir Roger's good for it.
29:24 Alice Levine? He hears the rest of the table murmur their support, and the landlord scurries away. Arthur gleefully turns to his pals.
29:32 Speaker 02 What say we all carry on the party back at my place?
29:35 Alice Levine? Arthur feels like the Pied Piper as they all dutifully follow him out. Arriving back at Tichborne Park, he's surprised to be greeted by a panicked Mary Ann. Oh, Art, I mean, Roger, thank heavens you're back. It's the Dowager.
29:52 Alice Levine? He rolls his eyes, but when the Dowager's personal physician appears, wearing a ghost-like expression, Arthur starts to tremble.
30:02 Speaker 02 What, what's happened?
30:04 Alice Levine? The physician shakes his head.
30:07 Speaker 02 I'm sorry to tell you that your mother collapsed an hour ago. It was her heart, I believe. I'm afraid she is quite dead.
30:15 Matt Forde? Quite dead or fully dead?
30:17 Speaker 02 Quite, quite dead.
30:20 Alice Levine? Arthur feels the ground disappear beneath him. His greatest supporter, his one protector, is gone. In that moment, he realizes. He only has one play left. He needs to win over the Titchbones.
30:43 Alice Levine? December 1867, Allsford, Hampshire. Alfred Seymour removes his top hat and bows respectfully in front of the Dowager's coffin. He wishes they'd spent her last few months on better terms. His hand tightens around his cane as he thinks about the cause of their rift. That wretched impostor. But he pushes aside his negative thoughts. Today must only be about honoring his sister's memory. Alfred is jolted by a hand on his shoulder. He looks up to see Sir Roger's manservant looming over him. Sir Roger wishes to assume his rightful place as chief mourner. Alfred looks suspicious as the man claiming to be Sir Roger steps forward and attempts to shove him aside.
31:29 Alice Levine? Alfred pushes him back. They tussle for a few moments, Alfred eventually pushing him to the ground. To his horror, instead of getting up, his so-called nephew begins to sob dramatically. Please, uncle, I miss her so. Alfred looks up to see the other mourners, including the Titchbarns and several lords and ladies, eyeing him in horror. He hears one whisper. For Christ's sake, Alfred, let the man mourn! Alfred's cheeks burn with embarrassment. He forces himself to step aside and lets so-called Roger Tichborne take his place. He hisses as Roger passes. I am allowing this only on the condition you do not attend the wake.
32:14 Alice Levine? If you try, I will have you forcibly removed.
32:19 Matt Forde? Now, what, the wake's the best bit? You've got sandwiches and after eights.
32:23 Alice Levine? After eights at a wake?
32:25 Matt Forde? I've not been to one for ages.
32:27 Alice Levine? But you always take after eights?
32:28 Matt Forde? It's always a buffet, isn't it? That's the whole point.
32:30 Alice Levine? You've provided the after eights, which is why you think it's appropriate. Still, I think the classiest chocolate. Like, is there a posher chocolate?
32:38 Matt Forde? No, because there are bigger brands now, but there's something about the carriage clock and the fact that the chocolate is dark.
32:44 Alice Levine? And individually sheathed.
32:46 Matt Forde? Oh, man.
32:49 Alice Levine? An hour later in the pub, Alfred is still fuming. But no sooner has he taken a sip from his whisky, he looks up to see Lady Theresa standing before him, flanked by several Tichborne aunts and cousins.
33:02 Speaker 02 Alfred, what happened back there? I know you mean well, but if the Dowager truly believed that man was her son, perhaps we should too.
33:12 Alice Levine? Alfred stares at her, stunned.
33:14 Speaker 02 One only has to look at the poor man to see his grief is genuine.
33:19 Alice Levine? Alfred slams his hand on the table.
33:21 Speaker 02 No! He's a desperate man clinging to his only lifeline. Don't you want to return to Tichborne Park?
33:29 Alice Levine? Lady Theresa seems pained.
33:32 Speaker 02 Alfred, if this really is my boy's uncle, he's the closest family we have left. It seems wrong to keep treating him with hostility.
33:41 Matt Forde? This is mad. So many people in this story are so keen to believe that he is who he says he is, that they're all overlooking the obvious flaws as well.
33:53 Alice Levine? Before Alfred can retort, a Tichborne cousin speaks up. Is it possible you've become too blinkered in your view, Alfred? This is the way any baronet would behave if he were at risk of losing his birthright. Alfred knows he's outnumbered. To keep arguing this out today is futile.
34:13 Speaker 02 All right. If it's what you wish, I shall leave him be.
34:18 Alice Levine? But Alfred has no intention of doing that. He's going to get incontrovertible proof that the person posing as Sir Roger is a fraud. And he knows just the man who can get it.
34:39 Alice Levine? April 1868, Wagga Wagga, Australia. Private investigator John Witcher taps his finger on the bar impatiently as the woman behind it stares at the photo he's showing her. No, never seen the filler.
34:54 Alice Levine? Witcher grimaces. He waves his hand in front of his face to repel the ever-present flies, then slaps his sticky neck. He hates this assignment. When Alfred Seymour called, he thought he'd be put on some glamorous case in London. Instead, he's stuck in this hideous backwater. He places the photo of Sir Roger in his sweat-drenched shirt pocket and scratches his stubbly chin. If he can't get answers, he'll at least get a shave.
35:25 Alice Levine? Ten minutes later, Witcher tilts his head back as the local barber mixes up some cream, then sharpens his razor on a strop.
35:34 Alice Levine? He flinches as the barber drags his blade against his raw skin. Are you having a good trip then, sir? Finally, someone he can share his woes with.
35:45 Alice Levine? It was a bloody nightmare. Then I get here and ask myself, is this really the kind of place Sir Roger Tichborne would make a home? Witcher could swear he sees a flicker of recognition from the barber at the name. He stays on him as he goes on. Not that anyone will talk. To Witcher's frustration, the barber remains silent. Before he knows it, he's clean shaven. But as he checks himself in the mirror. This fella you're looking for, got a photo? Witcher takes it from his pocket. He stays on the barber, who shakes his head. Nah, don't know him. Witcher goes to put it away, deflated. Although... Nah, no, never mind.
36:30 Alice Levine? Witcher pulls out some coins but holds them back. Tell me what you were gonna say. The barber shrugs. He has a look of a fella who lived nearby, that's all. Witcher rolls his eyes. This man is being too vague. He's clearly out to fleece him.
36:47 Matt Forde? Remind you of anyone?
36:50 Alice Levine? As Mrs. Mary Ann wasn't much of a looker. Witcher feels his heartbeat quicken. It's a quality shave you've got. Some might say it deserves a tip. Witcher grimaces. He digs into his pocket, hands the barber a shilling. The man, what was his name? The barber shrugs.
37:12 Alice Levine? You English might not know loyalty, but we don't rat out our own. Witcher darkens. He's heard it all before. He gives the barber all the cash he has left, two five-pound notes. The barber hesitates, then goes to a drawer. Takes out a small, leather-covered pocketbook. Made interesting reading. Witcher hungrily flicks through it. The first few pages contain nonsensical doodles. Witcher feels his hope ebbing away. But then an address catches his eye. Sixty-nine High Street, Wapping. And a name he can just make out. Charlie Orton. A grin spreads across Witcher's face.
37:57 Alice Levine? He finally has a reason to return to London. And when he does, with what he's got here. He's going to expose the man claiming to be Sir Roger for who he really is.
38:13 Alice Levine? Four months later, August 1868, Tichborne Park, Hampshire.
38:20 Alice Levine? In the study, Arthur finishes rearranging his growing collection of stuffed badgers, stoats, and foxes. He stands back to admire them, as Mary Ann charges in. That Alfred Fell is here, he's got some men with him. What do they want?
38:36 Matt Forde? They wanna look at your collection of stuffed badgers, stoats, and foxes. Go on, do the little voices when you move them.
38:43 Alice Levine? Mary Ann shrugs. Arthur has no choice but to follow her into the reception, where Sir Alfred and a small man await. He forces a magnanimous expression. Uncle, I wish you'd told me you were planning a visit. I would have had my man Bogle arrange some breakfast.
39:01 Speaker 02 That's very kind, but it's not necessary.
39:05 Alice Levine? Alfred smiles enigmatically. Arthur's discomfort grows. He forces an air of calm. Won't you introduce me to your friend? Alfred nods enthusiastically, as if he's just remembered.
39:19 Speaker 02 Ah, yes, this is John Witcher, a private eye. Witcher, this is Sir Roger.
39:27 Alice Levine? Arthur feels a wave of nausea as Alfred's smile fades.
39:32 Speaker 02 Or should I call you Arthur?
39:36 Alice Levine? Alfred steps forward. Arthur tries to stay calm as he moves his face closer to his.
39:43 Speaker 02 That is your real name, isn't it?
39:46 Alice Levine? Arthur's stomach churns. He watches as Alfred carefully removes a leather-covered notebook from his pocket.
39:53 Speaker 02 Arthur Orton, of 69 Wapping High Street, twelfth and last child of George, a butcher, and Mary, a cleaner, both deceased. Most siblings deceased or moved on. As did Arthur, last seen aboard a ship to Hobart Town in 1852, aged 18.
40:19 Alice Levine? Arthur feels like his whole life is flashing before his eyes. He pushes those images away. He is now Sir Roger, and Sir Roger he must remain.
40:31 Speaker 02 Um, I've never heard of the man.
40:34 Alice Levine? Alfred chuckles.
40:36 Speaker 02 That's strange, because Charlie, his eldest brother.
40:41 Alice Levine? He stares directly at Arthur, corrects himself.
40:45 Speaker 02 Your eldest brother has identified you as Arthur, as have witnesses in several parts of the New World.
40:54 Alice Levine? Alfred seems to snap.
40:57 Speaker 02 For God's sake, man, it's time you gave up this folly. I will do no such thing. I've never heard of this Orton fellow. I can only assume he bears a likeness to me, and, and these people are confused.
41:11 Alice Levine? Arthur hopes his belligerence has done enough, but Alfred shakes his head.
41:16 Speaker 02 Having heard my findings, the Tichborne trustees wish you to leave. If you are to stay, you must prove beyond doubt that you are Sir Roger.
41:29 Matt Forde? Very well, observe my left ankle.
41:33 Speaker 02 Please, my eyelid.
41:35 Matt Forde? Look, stretching.
41:39 Alice Levine? Arthur won't be cowed. He pushes his chest out defiantly, stands tall.
41:45 Speaker 02 Very well, Uncle. I will see you in court.
41:49 Alice Levine? He sees a flash of shock on Alfred's face. Arthur looks around the grand entrance hall, more determined than ever. He can't lose all this now. He's going to court, and he's going to win. Then he will have the security he craves, and no one will be able to challenge his claim to Sir Roger's fortune ever again.
42:18 Speaker 06 By 1779, Benedict Arnold had sacrificed more for the Revolution than almost any other man in America. One of George Washington's most effective commanders, he had nearly lost a leg in the Second Battle of Saratoga, but in return, Arnold believed he had been humiliated by Congress and cheated of his glory by lesser men, so he decided to make them pay. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, the host of the podcast American Scandal. We bring to life so One of the biggest controversies in US history: presidential lies, environmental disasters, corporate fraud. In our latest series, Benedict Arnold turns his back on his comrades in the Continental Army and secretly defects to the British. With the help of his wife, he plots to hand over the most important colonial fortress
43:02 Speaker 06 to the enemy and doom the revolution he once served. Follow American Scandal wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of American Scandal early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts. In the summer of 1881, US Army Lieutenant Adolphus Greeley and 24 other men embarked on an ambitious scientific mission to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. But despite several triumphs of discovery, the men would soon face tragedy. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, the host of the podcast American History Tellers. We take you to the events, times, and people that shaped America and Americans, our values, our struggles, and our dreams.
43:44 Speaker 06 In our latest series, after Adolphus Greeley and his men arrive at their destination more than 1,000 miles above the Arctic Circle, they get to work collecting scientific data and exploring the frigid landscape. But when resupply ships fail to reach them two summers in a row, they're forced to set out on a desperate search for rescue, and not all of them will make it home. Follow American History Tellers wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of American History Tellers' Greeley Arctic Expedition early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
44:30 Alice Levine? Two years later, May 1871, Court of Queen's Bench, London.
44:37 Alice Levine? Sitting beside his barrister, Alfred turns to Lady Theresa, pats her arm reassuringly.
44:43 Speaker 02 "Don't worry, my dear. It will all be over soon."
44:48 Alice Levine? Alfred watches Arthur squeeze himself in next to his own lawyer. He notes with disgust that the man is at least five kilos heavier than when they last met. He moves his gaze to Mary Ann in the public gallery, who sits alongside several Tichborne Estate commoners. They glare daggers at Alfred and Lady Theresa. In the time it's taken this to come to court, Arthur has continued to live at Tichborne Park and ingratiate himself with the locals. He's also befriended countless old school and army pals of Sir Rogers, many of whom are set to bear witness that he is the baronet.
45:26 Matt Forde? "We've laughed at this guy and the way in which he convinced the dowager that he was her son. But he's clearly talented at swindling because he's managed to convince people from the upper classes and people from the lower classes that he is this guy. So he's obviously got some skills, even if it is just buying everyone a pint."
45:46 Speaker 02 "I think there's a classic case as well of like when one domino falls. So somebody that you trust the opinion of believes that this person is who they say they are and you don't really want to be the person to put your head above the parapet and say, 'It doesn't really add up to me. There's something of a collective denial going on here.' And it's really fascinating to me that the old boys' club has gathered around this person who so clearly is not one of them."
46:12 Alice Levine? How they've been duped by this disgrace of a man, Alfred simply can't fathom. But today, he's confident he can right that wrong. His top legal team has already produced several Whappingites and Wagga residents who swear under oath that this man is Arthur Orton. And they've saved their best and star witness for last.
46:35 Speaker 02 "We call Charlie Orton to the stand."
46:40 Alice Levine? The courtroom falls into a hushed silence. Alfred finds himself smiling.
46:46 Speaker 02 "Mr. Orton, is your brother sitting in this courtroom?" "He is."
46:53 Alice Levine? Alfred smiles knowingly at Theresa.
46:56 Speaker 02 "Can you point him out?"
46:59 Alice Levine? Alfred's grin widens as Charlie points directly at Arthur. He hears small gasps from the public gallery. He glances at Arthur, sure he can see him squirm.
47:11 Speaker 02 He's stacked on the fat.
47:14 Matt Forde? Brothers are brutal.
47:16 Alice Levine? Alfred laps along with several members of the jury.
47:20 Speaker 02 But there's no mistaking him. That's Slobbery, uh, sorry, that was his nickname. I mean, Arthur.
47:27 Matt Forde? What a nickname.
47:29 Alice Levine? Slobbery.
47:32 Matt Forde? I mean, there's no double meaning to that, is there? You can't say, "Oh no, actually, it was a great, um, compliment. It was ironic because I wasn't slobbery." Mr. S. Slobbery.
47:44 Alice Levine? Alfred is delighted to hear shocked whispers from Arthur's Hampshire friends. When opposing counsel rises to cross-examine, he sits back relaxed.
47:54 Speaker 02 Mr. Orton, is it true that the Tichborne trustees have been paying you a weekly allowance for the past two years?
48:04 Alice Levine? Alfred freezes. How the hell do they know that? He stares at Charlie, who looks like a rabbit caught in headlights. He wields the imbecile to deny it.
48:15 Speaker 02 Not an allowance, just a fiver a month expenses, uh, to cover my journeys.
48:21 Alice Levine? Alfred glances at the jury, all of whom look appalled. His discomfort grows.
48:28 Speaker 02 So, the court is expected to believe that a man with substantial debts, who's being paid by the family set to lose greatly from this case, can unbiasedly testify that the plaintiff is definitely not Sir Roger Tichborne?
48:46 Alice Levine? Alfred feels his heart sink as the QC addresses the court.
48:51 Speaker 02 This rather begs the question, if the defendants have paid one witness, how many others might they have paid?
49:03 Alice Levine? When court adjourns, Alfred seeks out his solicitor.
49:07 Speaker 02 This is a disaster. Why did you not train the man how to answer?
49:12 Alice Levine? I'm sorry, Mr Seymour. We should have spent more time with him. Alfred bangs the wall in fury, but before he can say more, a clerk bursts in.
49:23 Alice Levine? I'm sorry, Mr Seymour. I've just been going through statements from Sir Roger's witnesses. I think his team missed something important. If it's true, this case is over. Alfred grabs the document, praying he's right, because as things stand, this impostor, Arthur Orton, is set to rob this family of everything they have.
49:50 Alice Levine? The following day, May 1870, Court of Queen's Bench, London.
49:57 Alice Levine? Arthur grins as his barrister rises to call their first witness.
50:01 Speaker 02 We call Lord Edward Bellew.
50:05 Alice Levine? Arthur is confident that with his brother Charlie's testimony discredited, they're simply going through the motions now. This old school friend of Sir Rogers can only cement his victory.
50:18 Speaker 02 How many years did you and Sir Roger aboard together?
50:22 Alice Levine? Three in all, from the day he arrived at Stonyhurst. Arthur nods his agreement, as if remembering that day.
50:30 Speaker 02 And do you see him here today?
50:35 Alice Levine? Lord Bellew nods enthusiastically. He points directly at Arthur. The eyes are unmistakable. I am certain that is Sir Roger.
50:46 Alice Levine? Arthur beams as his QC returns to his seat. Alfred's barrister approaches.
50:53 Alice Levine? Lord Bellew, in all your time with Sir Roger, did you notice any distinct markings on his skin? Arthur has to stop himself chuckling. Does Alfred not realise he's known about the scar on Sir Roger's ankle for years? Yes, he had tattoos on his left arm, between the wrist and elbow. Arthur's heart practically stops. Tattoos?
51:19 Alice Levine? A cross, an anchor, and a heart, representing faith, hope, and charity. I inked another on him myself, the letters 'R T C'.
51:28 Matt Forde? Has anyone got a sharpie? I just need to borrow a biro.
51:34 Alice Levine? Arthur squirms, as Bellew looks his way with a smile of blissful ignorance. If Sir Roger were to show you his left arm, there could be no further doubt cast over his identity.
51:45 Alice Levine? The judge nods his agreement.
51:47 Speaker 02 The plaintiff will show the court his left forearm.
51:51 Alice Levine? Arthur tries not to panic. He turns to his barrister. Can I refuse? The barrister looks at him as if he's mad.
52:01 Speaker 02 Why would you want to?
52:03 Alice Levine? Arthur looks at the judge, who taps his fingers impatiently. All he can do is remove his jacket, roll up his sleeve, and show his tattoo-free left arm to the court.
52:17 Alice Levine? Gasps echo around the room.
52:22 Alice Levine? Arthur is reeling, as Alfred's barrister addresses the judge. Justice Boville, we intend to ask several more witnesses if they remember these tattoos, and it's our understanding that they will all say they do. Therefore, you may feel it's a waste of the jury's time to proceed further. Arthur has barely had time to process, as the judge answers.
52:46 Speaker 02 Very well, declare this a non-suit. The jury is dismissed.
52:51 Alice Levine? Confused, Arthur turns back to his barrister. What does that mean? Can we appeal? The barrister pulls off his wig and throws it onto the table in front of him.
53:03 Speaker 02 I don't think you understand.
53:06 Alice Levine? The judge calls over to the policeman guarding the doors.
53:10 Speaker 02 Officers, you know what to do.
53:14 Alice Levine? Arthur is stunned as the officers rush forward and slap iron cuffs on his wrists.
53:20 Speaker 02 Arthur Orton, I think we can assume that is your real name. I believe you to be guilty of willful and corrupt perjury. You will be detained at Newgate Jail until your new trial can be arranged.
53:34 Alice Levine? Arthur looks back at his barrister, who now eyes him coldly. New trial?
53:41 Speaker 02 You will need to find new representation, Mr. Orton. This is a criminal matter now. May God have mercy on your soul.
53:49 Alice Levine? Shell-shocked, Arthur looks up at the public gallery, where Mary Ann is screaming. No, don't take him, please! Only as Arthur is dragged from the court, does he begin to realise what's happened. He hasn't just lost his claim to a fortune. He's lost his freedom too. He now has a bigger challenge than pretending to be a baronet. He has to find a way to avoid spending the rest of his life behind bars.
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55:07 Speaker 07 President Obama sits down with a series of surprising and sharp guests to explore six books that have shaped his life and perspective on the world.
55:17 Speaker 05 From Song of Solomon and The Fire Next Time, to All the Pretty Horses and Gilead, the president is joined by guests like Tom Hanks and Ta-Nehisi Coates to reflect on how these timeless stories shaped his thinking on everything from fatherhood to leadership, and discover together what they tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to create. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of A Great Book with Barack Obama ad-free right now, plus access each audiobook discussed in the series. Download the Audible app today.
56:00 Alice Levine? From Wondery and Samas dot audio, this is the second episode in our series, The Case of the Missing Aristocrat.
56:07 Matt Forde? A quick note about our dialogue. In most cases, we can't know exactly what was said, but all our dramatizations are based on historical research.
56:15 Alice Levine? If you'd like to know more about this story, you can read The Man Who Lost Himself: The Unbelievable Story of the Tichborne Claimant by Robin Aneer, and The Claimant: Butcher or Baronet by Paul Terry.
56:26 Matt Forde? And remember, if you want to get in touch with comments, suggestions, ideas for scandals, then you can email [email protected] .
56:34 Alice Levine? British Scandal is hosted by me, Alice Levine.
56:36 Matt Forde? And me, Matt Ford.
56:38 Alice Levine? Written by Wendy Granditer. Additional writing by Alice Levine and Matt Ford. Our story editor is James Maniac. Sound design by Palama Kaufman. Our engineer is Jai Williams. For Samas Dat, our producer is Chika Ayers. Our assistant producer is Redsey Bernard. Our senior producers are Joe Sykes and Dasha Lisitzina. For Wondery, our series producer is Theodora Leludis, and our managing producer is Rachel Sibley. Executive producers for Wondery are Estelle Doyle, Chris Bourne, Morgan Jones, and Marshall Louie.
57:19 Speaker 02 Hey, I'm Cassie DePecce, the host of Against the Odds from Audible Originals. In each episode, we share thrilling true stories of survival, putting you in the shoes of the people who lived to tell the tale. In our latest series, we track the story of Hugh Glass, the real-life revenant that inspired the 2015 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In 1823, Glass was brutally mauled by a grizzly bear in present-day South Dakota and left for dead. His survival depended on trekking through 350 miles of wilderness alone with grave injuries. But he was driven by his thirst for revenge. Follow Against the Odds wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of Against the Odds early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.
58:04 Speaker 02 I'm Gemma Whelan, and in the new season of The Spy Who, we tell the story of the original femme fatale, The Spy Who Was Mata Hari. A famous dancer turned World War I secret agent accused of seducing Allied officers to uncover their plans. But was she a temptress or a scapegoat for French failures? Follow The Spy Who now, wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also listen to the full season of The Spy Who Was Mata Hari early and ad-free on Audible.
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