After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal - Episode Summary
Title: Poison in the Tower of London
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney & Maddy Pelling
Guest: Dr. Misha Yuen, Historian at the University of Sussex
Introduction to the Episode
In this gripping episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into a lesser-known yet profoundly impactful story from the Tower of London. They explore the life and rebellion of Edward Francis, an enslaved man who dared to poison his master, Thomas Dimmock, the keeper of the Tower's lions.
Setting the Historical Context (00:27 - 07:51)
Maddy Pelling sets the stage by transporting listeners to the late 17th century (1687-1692), a period marked by significant events such as Isaac Newton's groundbreaking work, the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, the Glorious Revolution, and the Salem witch trials. This era was a time of great transformation both socially and architecturally, exemplified by the construction of St. Paul's Cathedral and the shifting dynamics of power and society.
Anthony Delaney emphasizes the global scale of historical events during this period, highlighting the interconnectedness of local happenings in London with broader colonial and global changes, particularly those related to colonization and the Atlantic slave trade.
Unveiling Edward Francis (08:32 - 21:09)
Dr. Misha Yuen introduces Edward Francis, an enslaved man likely born in West Africa and brought to London by the Royal African Company. Edward served Thomas Dimmock, the prestigious keeper of the Tower's lions. His life at the Tower is a window into the nuanced and often overlooked presence of enslaved individuals in England during this time.
Notable Quotes:
- “Edward was enslaved at the Tower of London, but very much within the Dimmock household.” (27:10)
- “These newspaper advertisements...tell us about the motivations and experiences of enslaved people.” (13:48)
Dr. Yuen explains how Edward's story surfaced through archival research, connecting him to a 1687 newspaper advertisement for a runaway enslaved boy, suggesting a continuity in Edward's quest for freedom.
The Dynamics of Slavery in 17th Century England (17:26 - 26:44)
Dr. Yuen elucidates the complex and often ambiguous legal status of slavery in England during the late 17th century. Unlike the clear-cut slavery laws in colonies like Barbados and Virginia, England's stance was murky, with court rulings treating enslaved individuals as property without formal legal codification.
Notable Quotes:
- “Black enslaved people could be treated as property,” (17:26)
- “Having an enslaved person within your household becomes a status symbol.” (17:26)
This section highlights how enslaved individuals like Edward were both integrated into daily household life and simultaneously subjected to dehumanizing treatment symbolized by items like silver collars.
Edward's Rebellion and its Aftermath (27:10 - 39:58)
The core of the episode focuses on Edward Francis's act of rebellion by poisoning his enslaver, Thomas Dimmock. This act was not merely an attempt at murder but a profound statement against his bondage and a desperate bid for freedom.
Notable Quotes:
- “Edward said yes, that he did think to get his liberty by murdering Thomas Dimmock and his family.” (39:05)
- “These four documents really took my breath away.” (39:58)
Listeners are taken through the sequence of events leading to the poisoning, the subsequent investigation, and Edward's eventual trial. Dr. Yuen discusses the limited and fragmented historical records, which leave many questions unanswered about Edward's true motivations and the legal proceedings that followed.
The Legal and Social Implications (39:58 - 48:19)
Dr. Yuen delves into the trial of Edward Francis at the Old Bailey, noting the absence of surviving records from the trial itself. Despite the gravity of his actions, Edward was released with a fine of 10 groats, a lenient outcome that underscores the ambiguous legal standing of enslaved individuals in England.
Notable Quotes:
- “Property could commit crime?” (39:58)
- “Edward just seems to disappear from the historical archive.” (48:19)
This segment explores the broader implications of Edward's story, questioning the legal recognition of enslaved people as individuals capable of agency and the systemic issues within English law that treated them as property.
Personal Reflections and Historical Significance (48:19 - 50:01)
Anthony Delaney and Dr. Yuen reflect on the emotional and historical weight of Edward Francis's story. Delaney expresses admiration for Edward's resilience and determination to assert his humanity against oppressive forces.
Notable Quotes:
- “He's so lucky to be able to look at these things when you were looking at it.” (43:16)
- “By God, I'm so glad that he pushed himself into that archive.” (42:32)
The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of uncovering and acknowledging such hidden narratives, urging listeners to reconsider the Tower of London not just as a symbol of royal power and incarceration but also as a site of resistance and complex human stories.
Conclusion
This episode of After Dark masterfully uncovers the untold story of Edward Francis, providing a poignant glimpse into the life of an enslaved man in 17th century England. Through meticulous research and heartfelt discussion, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling, alongside guest Dr. Misha Yuen, shed light on a narrative that challenges traditional perceptions of history and underscores the enduring struggle for freedom and identity.
Sources and Further Listening:
- To explore more about Edward Francis and related historical events, listeners are encouraged to revisit episodes such as "Virginia Dare" and "Mysteries of Roanoke."
- Subscribe to History Hit for access to hundreds of hours of original documentaries and ad-free podcasts.
Note: The timestamps provided correspond to specific quotes and discussions within the episode, offering listeners a detailed roadmap to the conversation.