Summary of "The Abduction of Ellen Turner" – History Daily
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham
Produced by Airship, Noiser, and Wondery
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "The Abduction of Ellen Turner," host Lindsey Graham explores a dark chapter from March 7, 1826, when a seemingly innocent request led to the kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl, Ellen Turner, at Breck House, an esteemed boarding school in Liverpool, England. This detailed narrative uncovers layers of deceit, ambition, and the societal constraints of the Georgian era.
The Abduction
The story commences on a chilly morning in Liverpool when an elderly servant arrives at Breck House with an urgent message for the principal, Elizabeth Dalby. The servant, speaking with a foreign accent that hints at French origins, presents a letter purportedly from Ellen's mother, who has fallen ill with sudden paralysis [00:00].
“It's urgent,” the servant asserts, emphasizing the immediate need for Ellen's return [00:00].
Trusting the servant's plea, Principal Dalby instructs Ellen to prepare for departure. Dressed in a traveling cloak and sturdy boots, Ellen joins the carriage, unaware that the servant's intentions are far from noble. Instead of escorting her to her ailing mother, the servant is part of a criminal gang aiming to abduct Ellen [00:00].
The Deception Unfolds
As the carriage traverses the muddy roads from Liverpool to Manchester, Ellen becomes uneasy about the discrepancies in the servant's story. Her discomfort grows when she meets Edward Wakefield, a charming 30-year-old, and his younger brother. Edward reveals that Ellen's father, William Turner, is supposedly in severe debt, threatening the family's estate [00:00].
“If Ellen were to marry, then the estate could pass to her husband,” Edward explains, presenting a seemingly logical solution to Ellen's fabricated familial crisis [Time Stamp Pending].
Ellen, grappling with confusion and fear, is gradually swayed by Edward's assurances. Despite her initial reservations, she begins to feel a connection with Edward, blinded by the promise of saving her family's legacy. Unbeknownst to her, Edward's true motive is to secure the Turner fortune through a sham marriage, exploiting the lax marriage laws in nearby Scotland [11:30].
William Turner's Discovery
Four days post-abduction, on March 11, 1826, William Turner, Ellen's wealthy father, arrives at a London mail coach, eager to reunite with his family. Amidst the crowd, he encounters his lawyer and friend, Thomas Grimsditch, who presents a startling revelation through a newspaper wedding announcement [11:30].
“To Ellen, only daughter of William Turner, Esq. Of Shrigley Park in the county of Chester,” the announcement declares, sending chills down William's spine [11:30].
Realizing the potential scandal and the damage to his reputation, William suspects foul play. He swiftly returns to Shrigley Park, the family's stately estate, and confronts his wife with the news. Faced with the prospect of becoming the county's high sheriff, a position of considerable honor, William grapples with a dire choice: accept the fraudulent marriage to preserve his standing or fight to rescue his daughter, risking public disgrace [11:30].
The Trial and Aftermath
Determined to reclaim his daughter's honor, William Turner initiates legal action against Edward Wakefield and his brother. The trial unfolds in Lancaster in May 1827, over a year after Ellen's abduction. Despite the Wakefield brothers' defense claiming that Ellen entered the marriage willingly, the court finds them guilty of abduction [17:24].
“I am not your wife. I will never go near you again,” Ellen vehemently declares, severing ties with Edward and exposing the sham marriage [17:24].
Although both brothers receive three-year prison sentences, the marriage between Ellen and Edward remains legally valid. In that era, divorcing someone required a special act of Parliament, an arduous process only accessible to the wealthy. Utilizing his influence, William successfully secures the annulment of the marriage, restoring his family's honor [17:24].
Post-trial, Edward flees to avoid further prosecution, embarking on ventures across the British Empire, whereas Ellen marries with her family's consent. Tragically, she dies in childbirth at the age of 19, never witnessing Edward's rise as a respected figure in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Conclusion
"The Abduction of Ellen Turner" serves as a poignant reminder of the limited autonomy women possessed in the Georgian era. Ellen's unfortunate fate underscores the vulnerability of young women subjected to societal and familial pressures, leaving little room for personal agency. This episode not only recounts a tale of deception and ambition but also highlights the enduring impact of such acts on individual lives and family legacies.
This episode was meticulously researched and crafted by William Simpson, with audio editing by Molly Bond and sound design by Lindsey Graham. Executive producers Steven Walters (Airship) and Pascal Hughes (Noiser) ensured the narrative's compelling delivery.