New Podcast Episode: Mary Ann Cotton
In March of 1873, Mary Ann Cotton died in a botched execution. Convicted of the murder of her stepson Charles, she was sentenced to hang. Her reputation preceded her, as rumours swirled that she may have also had a hand in the deaths of several husbands, and the children she shared with them. Many believe the executioner deliberately tied too long of a rope so that a crowd of onlookers could watch her slow and painful death. Only one alleged murder went to trial, with insufficient evidence presented. Nonetheless, Mary Ann Cotton is regarded as Britain's first serial killer -- pre-dating even Jack the Ripper -- and one of the most prolific murderers in England's history.
