Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

Episode: The Murder That Shook Edwardian Britain

Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Hallie Rubenhold, Author of Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr. Crippen

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society, host Kate Lister delves deep into one of Edwardian Britain's most sensational murder cases. Joined by esteemed historian Hallie Rubenhold, known for her work in reshaping historical narratives through a feminist lens, they unravel the intricate and dark tale of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen and the mysterious murder of his wife, Belle Elmore.

Guest Introduction: Hallie Rubenhold

Kate warmly welcomes Hallie Rubenhold, expressing admiration for her previous work, The Five, and excitement about her latest book, Story of a Murder. Hallie shares her enthusiasm for exploring the Crippen case, emphasizing her dedication to uncovering the untold and often overlooked aspects of historical events.

Unraveling the Crippen Case

Debunking Common Myths

Kate begins with a synopsis of the Crippen case as popularly understood: an overbearing wife, a mild-mannered drunkard husband who murders her, and a dramatic ship chase that ends with Crippen's capture. However, Hallie challenges this narrative, stating at [07:29] "No, no. The police officers that stopped her on a ship...he was the most gigantic misogynist and had a number of women in his life who he treated very badly."

Hallie points out that much of the traditional story is a product of Filson Young’s 1920 account, which painted Crippen as a downtrodden man and Ethel Le Neve (Ethel Lanaeve) as his noble mistress, thereby exonerating him in the public eye.

Dr. Crippen and His First Wife, Charlotte Bell

Hallie provides a comprehensive background on Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen ([12:19]). Born in Michigan and educated in homeopathy, Crippen's first marriage to Charlotte Bell, an Irish immigrant and nurse, ended mysteriously in Salt Lake City in the early 1890s. Charlotte's sudden death, officially attributed to a stroke or heart attack, was highly suspicious as Crippen quickly buried her in a pauper's grave, bypassing standard procedures.

Marriage to Belle Elmore

Crippen's second marriage to Belle Elmore (Belle Elmore was Belle's stage name) brings a new dimension to the story ([12:08]). Belle, a vibrant music hall performer, and Crippen initially seemed like a compatible couple. However, their relationship quickly deteriorated due to Crippen's manipulative and abusive behavior. Hallie reveals that Crippen had Belle's ovaries removed at the age of 21 ([27:04]), forcing her into a state of immediate surgical menopause. This barbaric act left Belle traumatized and unable to bear children, fundamentally altering her identity and their marriage.

Dr. Crippen’s Deceptive Nature and Abuse

Hallie paints Crippen as a deeply flawed and deceitful individual ([19:33]). His fraudulent medical practices and conman tendencies were well-documented, and his treatment of Belle was nothing short of atrocious. Crippen's manipulation extended beyond his marriage; he also molested Belle's teenage sisters, reflecting his predatory nature ([21:50]).

The Affair with Ethel Lanaeve

As Crippen's marriage to Belle worsened, he began an affair with Ethel Lanaeve, his typist ([32:21]). Ethel, hailing from a modest background in Norfolk, was drawn to Crippen’s wealth and status. Their relationship, however, became tumultuous, especially after Ethel became pregnant. Crippen coerced her into an abortion, further straining their affair and leading to heightened tensions.

According to Hallie, Ethel played a pivotal role in the eventual murder of Belle. She suggests that Ethel was "the engine behind this murder" ([33:30]), indicating her significant involvement in the plot to eliminate Belle Elmore.

The Murder of Belle Elmore

Belle's disappearance in 1910 sparked widespread suspicion. Hallie discusses the intricacies of the murder ([27:00]), where Crippen allegedly poisoned Belle with hyosine hydrobromide, intending to sedate her. However, the overdose resulted in Belle's death, leading Crippen to panic. In a desperate attempt to cover his tracks, Crippen dismembered her body and attempted to dispose of the remains in various locations. Inspector Jew of Scotland Yard ultimately discovered Belle’s remains in the cellar of the Montrose ship.

The International Manhunt and Capture

The murder ignited a global manhunt, capturing the public's attention as Crippen and Ethel fled to Canada disguised as father and son ([41:04]). Using the newly invented Marconi wireless, Captain Kendall of the Montrose alerted authorities, leading to Crippen's arrest aboard the ship Laurentic. Hallie narrates the dramatic capture, highlighting Ethel's erratic behavior during the arrest, which contradicted her claims of innocence.

Trial and Ethel’s Acquittal

During the trial, Crippen was found guilty and sentenced to death, executed on November 23, 1910 ([49:14]). Ethel Lanaeve, however, had her charges reduced to being an accomplice, largely due to the biased investigation that favored Crippen. Hallie criticizes the judicial system's handling of Ethel, noting that despite her suspicious actions, she was acquitted and allowed to evade justice.

The Crucial Role of Women in Solving the Case

Despite the patriarchal constraints of the era, women played a significant role in cracking the Crippen case. Belle's friends, members of the Music Hall Ladies Guild, were instrumental in pushing Scotland Yard to take the case seriously. They conducted their own investigations, hired private detectives, and even influenced inheritance law to prevent Crippen from benefiting from Belle's estate ([51:24]). Hallie emphasizes that these women demonstrated remarkable agency and determination, despite lacking formal legal authority.

Conclusion

Kate Lister and Hallie Rubenhold conclude the episode by highlighting the enduring impact of the Crippen case on societal perceptions of gender roles and justice. Hallie's meticulous research sheds light on the complexities of the case, debunking long-held myths and revealing the underlying gender biases that influenced the investigation and trial outcomes.

Hallie promotes her book, Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr. Crippen, available for pre-order and set to release on March 25, 2025, in the US and March 27, 2025, in the UK.

Notable Quotes

• Hallie Rubenhold ([07:29]): "First of all, he was the most gigantic misogynist and had a number of women in his life who he treated very badly."
• Hallie Rubenhold ([16:26]): "Crippen was at this time also having an affair. Well, is having an affair with Ethel Lanaeve..."
• Hallie Rubenhold ([27:04]): "He had told her, you know, she had various problems…and had her ovaries removed."
• Hallie Rubenhold ([33:30]): "I really strongly believe it was Ethel who was the engine behind this murder."
• Hallie Rubenhold ([51:24]): "One of the things that occurred to me as I was writing this...the amount of women who testified in this trial against Crippen was pretty impressive."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a compelling exploration of the Crippen case, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the pivotal role of women in seeking justice. Hallie Rubenhold's insights provide a nuanced understanding of the social and gender dynamics at play, making it a must-listen for history enthusiasts and true crime aficionados alike.

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