Loading summary
Transcript13 lines
- [00:00]
Lindsey Graham
History Daily is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, Monetary magicians. These are the things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home and more. Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it. So your dollar goes a long way. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations. It's March 24, 1953, at 10 Rillington Place in Notting Hill, London. Inside a run down Row House, 43 year old tenant Barrister Brown taps a nail into a wall with his hammer. To his frustration, though, it slips straight through with almost no resistance. He steps back and shakes his head. All he wants is a small shell for his radio here. And yet every nail he's tried refuses to hold. So Beresford wraps his knuckles against the wall, trying to find out the problem. The whole thing sounds hollow, not at all what he expects. So he gives in to curiosity and reaching for the edge of the wallpaper, he peels it from the wall. There's no drywall behind it, just a wooden panel, and in the gaps around its frame, Beresford can see that there's a dark alcove. Curious, he finds a flashlight and shines it inside. The beam lands on a woman's back. Beresford stumbles backward, his breath catching in his chest. When he regains his composure, he looks closer. The woman is seated upright, her back to him, her head slumped forward over her knees, and what looks like a thin blanket is draped across her bare shoulders. But her skin. Skin is gray and she is clearly dead. For a moment Beresford can barely move. His mind refuses to make sense of what his eyes are seeing. Then he inches closer, casting the light farther back into the alcove. But the flashlight slips from his fingers when he catches sight of what's next. There's not just one body, but two. When police arrive on the scene, the horror only gets worse. Hidden farther back in the same alcove is a third woman's body. Then they uncover a fourth beneath some loose floorboards in the front room. But even this isn't the end of the horrors connected to this house. The full extent and crimes of serial killer John Christie won't be understood for days after his victims were first uncovered on March 24, 1953. History Daily is sponsored by Quince. What's the difference between a closet and a Wardrobe While a closet is a small space full of clothes, a wardrobe is a statement to the world that you have style and taste. That's where Quince shines. Premium fabrics considered design and everyday essentials that feel effortless to wear and dependable even as the seasons change. Like lightweight sweaters or short sleeve polos in real Mongolian cashmere bottoms and shorts in European linen and 100% long staple Pima cotton tees. These are attractive, versatile pieces built to hold up to regular wear and still look good like the pieces we outfitted our daughter with. A new hoodie, a bracelet and some wide leg fleece pants that were the hit of winter. Right now go to quince.comhistorydaily for free shipping and 365 day returns. That's a full year to build your wardrobe and love it. And you will now available in Canada too. So don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to quince.comhistorydaily for free shipping and 365 day return. Quince.comhistorydaily History Daily is brought to you by Progressive Insurance Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, Monetary Magicians. These are the things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds. Because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home and more. Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it. So your dollar goes a long way. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance, Progressive Casualty Insurance company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.
- [04:25]
Certified Plant Genius
Certified Plant Genius Here Most people see a busy plant shop, but I see a perfectly balanced ecosystem thanks to Genius from Global Payments, Inventory tracked payments, seamless reviews in one place. Absolutely genius. From sold out crowds worldwide to running this shop, Genius grows with you.
- [04:45]
Lindsey Graham
Your monsteras potted healthy roots.
- [04:48]
Certified Plant Genius
Strong growth just like this shop. Big league reliability for your business. That's genius. If you're a therapist listening, you already know your work doesn't magically end when the session does. There's scheduling, notes, billing, insurance, follow ups, all of the admin that happens before and after the work you actually care about. That's where simple Practice comes in. SimplePractice is an all in one EHR built specifically for therapists with HIPAA compliant tools and high trust certification. No juggling systems or cutting corners just to keep things moving. Scheduling, documentation, billing, insurance, client communication, even automated appointment reminders. It all lives in one place. And if you're starting or growing a practice, SimplePractice also offers a credentialing service that helps simplify insurance enrollment, which can be a huge lift alone. It's no surprise SimplePractice is trusted by over 250,000 health and wellness professionals. Start with a seven day free trial, then get 50% off your first three months. Go to SimplePractice.com to claim the offer. That's SimplePractice.com
- [05:58]
Lindsey Graham
from Noser and Airship I'm Lindsey Graham and this is History. Daily. History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is March 24, 1953 the John Christie murders it's late 1949 at 10 Rillington Place in Notting Hill, London, three years before bodies are discovered inside. 25 year old Timothy Evans storms through the tiny top floor apartment, slamming the bedroom behind him. His wife, Beryl throws the door back open and chases after him, screaming that they're not done talking yet. She needs him to listen to her. The Evinces are a young couple who've been having the same argument for days. Timothy and Beryl already have a 13 month old daughter named Geraldine who and now Beryl is pregnant again. The two love their daughter very much, but they can barely make ends meet on Timothy's salary as a truck driver. Another child will mean another mouth to feed, another expense they can't meet, and another weight pressing down on an already stressful marriage. Timothy insists they'll manage, but Beryl can't see how they would. As the argument escalates, their voices rise and shouts echoes through the thin walls of the house, spilling into neighboring apartments for other tenants to hear. Finally, Beryl goes quiet because she knows what she has to do. It's illegal and might even be dangerous, but she doesn't care. She's going to seek an abortion. Once she says it out loud, Timothy can see there's no changing her mind, but he urges her not to speak to anyone else until they're sure this is what they want to do. But Beryl doesn't listen. Instead, she turns to the man living in the downstairs apartment. John Christie. Christie is 50 years old. He's balding, wears glasses, and speaks in a near whisper, supposedly due to a throat injury he suffered during World War I. He worked as a volunteer police officer during World War II, and he and his wife Ethel have lived at 10 Rillington Place for years. To the Evanses, he's always seemed like a father figure, respectful and trustworthy, and when Beryl confides in him Christy tells her that he has medical experience and will be able to help. Beryl believes him, and they agree that Christie will perform the abortion in a few days time. But Christie harbors a secret past, and it has nothing to do with being a doctor. Six years ago, in 1943, he murdered a nurse named Ruth first. A year after that, he killed Muriel Eady, a former work colleague. Both bodies were buried in the backyard under the COVID of darkness. And now Christie has his eyes set on his next victim, his young neighbor, Beryl. And later that week, Beryl's husband Timothy returns home from work, desperate for news on how the abortion went. But when he opens the door to his apartment, only Kristi stands there, his head bowed. He has tragic news. He tried to perform the abortion, but there were complications and Beryl didn't survive. Christy takes Timothy to see his wife's body, but doesn't give him much time to grieve. Instead, Christy urges Timothy to disappear for a while. Suspicion is sure to fall on him after his wife's sudden death, and it would be better if he laid low for a while. Christy then offers to dispose of the body for him. And as for their daughter Geraldine, Christie suggests arranging an adoption, since she no longer has a mother to look after her. Christie even offers to take Geraldine in himself until a new family can be found. At first, Timothy takes Christy's advice, but he entrusts Geraldine to him and travels home to Wales. But there he's wracked with guilt. After several weeks, he walks into a Welsh police station and admits that his wife, Beryl died from a failed illegal abortion in London. Investigators, though, quickly pick apart Timothy's story. Under questioning, he confesses that John Christie was the man who performed the abortion. But when officers search the house, they discover Beryl's body in the outdoor wash house with bruising on her neck and face. And she's not the only victim they find. One year old Geraldine's body is in the wash house, too. Both of them have been strangled. Police interrogate John Christie about the deaths, but he claims to have no idea how the bodies got there. And even though Christie and his wife are the only ones with access to the locked wash house, the police believe him. This is because detectives are already sure they know who actually did it. And after hours of further questioning and emotional, Timothy confesses to killing both his wife and child. Later, he will recant, saying the confession was coerced. But by then, it will be too late. Timothy will be officially charged with the murders of both his wife and daughter, and soon he'll be fighting for his own life. History Daily is sponsored by Quince Watch the difference between a closet and a wardrobe. While a closet is a small space full of clothes, a wardrobe is a statement to the world that you have style and taste. That's where Quince shines. Premium Fabrics Consider design and everyday essentials that feel effortless to wear and dependable even as the seasons change. Like lightweight sweaters or short sleeve polos in real Mongolian cashmere bottoms and shorts in European linen and 100% long staple Pima cotton tees. These are attractive, versatile pieces built to hold up to regular wear and still look good like the pieces we outfitted our daughter with. A new hoodie, a bracelet and some wide leg fleece pants that were the hit of winter. Right now go to quince.comhistorydaily for free shipping and 365 day returns. That's a full year to build your wardrobe and love it. And you will now available in Canada too, so don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to quince.comhistorydaily for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.comhistorydaily History Daily is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are the things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home and more. Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it. So your dollar goes a long way. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance, Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.
- [12:44]
Josh Spiegel
With the American Express Platinum card, you
- [12:46]
Lindsey Graham
can access over $3,500 in annual value with benefits and eligible purchases across travel, entertainment and more. There's nothing like Platinum. Learn more@americanexpress.com Explore Platinum Enrollment Requirements monthly and other limits in terms of play
- [12:59]
Chandler Garcia
Hi, I'm Chandler Garcia. As a PICU nurse and global health advocate, I've cared for women and children all over the world, from Costa Rica to Egypt to Kenya and beyond. And no matter where I go or how tough the conditions get, I always wear my figs. These scrubs are lightweight, breathable and super soft. Perfect for long shifts in any environment. They've got pockets in all the right places, the fit is flexible and they're durable through every admission, surgery and post op. But it's not just about the scrubs. Another big part of what I love about FIGS is When they say they're committed to supporting healthcare workers all over the world, they mean it. I recently joined them on an impact trip to India, where I worked in triage, caring for babies in a mobile clinic. My figs aren't just what I wear. They're part of the impact I want to make. Wherever my work takes me, figs helps me show up ready to make a difference while looking and feeling my best. Get 15% off your first order at wear figs.com with code figsrx that's wear figs.com code figs rx.
- [14:08]
Lindsey Graham
It's January 11, 1950, at the Old Bailey Courthouse in London, around a month after Beryl Evans and her daughter Geraldine were found dead from the defendant's seat. Timothy Evans bows his head as a court official calls John Christie to the stand. Timothy is visibly shaken. He is on trial for murdering his wife and one year old daughter, and he is unsure if he will be able to keep his emotions in check. But as Christie is sworn in on the stand, Timothy forces himself to meet the eyes of his former neighbor and the man he is sure is the real killer. But across the room, Christie sits still. He calmly answers the prosecutor's questions and speaking in a near whisper, he explains how he often heard Timothy and Beryl shared shouting in their upstairs apartment. He says their arguments went on for hours, and in Christie's telling, Timothy was violent and unstable, and it was only a matter of time before he snapped. During cross examination, Timothy's lawyer reveals to the court that Christie has a criminal record himself. He's been convicted of theft and assault. The defense hopes that these details will give the jury a reason to doubt Christie's testimony, as Timothy has maintained his innocence since the beginning of the trial. And when it comes time for the defense to speak, Timothy's legal team claims his confession was coerced by police investigators. And they return again and again to the idea that there is another suspect who has been overlooked. John Christie. But their arguments don't land, and the jury believes the prosecution's version of the story. After just 40 minutes of deliberation, they find Timothy guilty. And there can be only one punishment for such a crime. And less than two months later, on March 9, 1950, Timothy Evans is hanged at Pentonville Prison in London. As far as the British legal system is concerned, justice has been served. Only John Christie knows the truth, that the real killer is still out there and he's living at 10 Rillington Place. And more than two years later, he strikes again. This time, Christie's victim is someone close to him. On December 14, 1952, he strangles his wife Ethel in bed. Then he pries up the floorboards in the living room before lowering her body into the shallow space beneath. When he replaces the boards, he carefully aligns them so they look untouched. The only evidence that they've moved is that they're a little loose. The next time Christie sees one of his neighbors, he casually mentions that Ethel has gone to Birmingham to take care of her sick father. No one has any reason to doubt him. But with Ethel no longer in his way, Christie's killings accelerate. One month later, he lures Rita Nelson to his apartment. She's a sex worker who's six months pregnant. But that doesn't stop Christie from poisoning her with carbon monoxide and then strangling her. Then, in February 1953, he does the same to another woman, Kathleen Maloney. Just days later, he strikes again, killing Hectorina McLennan. As with his earlier victims, Christie hides the bodies around his home. This time, he doesn't choose the garden or the wash house or under the floorboards. Instead, he stuffs all three bodies into an alcove in his kitchen. He blocks up its entrance with a wooden board and wallpapers over the top. But Christie soon decides that he can no longer share a house with his victims. And a few days after his final murder, Christie illegally sublets his apartment and promptly disappears. It doesn't take long for the landlord to discover what he's done, though, and he kicks out the unauthorized tenants. And while he advertises for new occupants, he allows the man who lives upstairs to use Christie's old kitchen. Beresford Brown then discovers the hidden alcove and its gruesome contents. He contacts the police, who soon discover Ethel Christie beneath the floorboards, as well as two more bodies buried in the backyard. The Metropolitan Police launches an intense manhunt for Christie. Detectives share his photograph with the newspapers and ask the British public for their help in finding him before he flees the country. But John Christie has not even left London. He's just keeping a low profile, drifting from place to place. He visits cafes. He sits in cinemas, watching movies among strangers in the dark. And for a few days, he gets away with hiding in plain sight like this. But his luck will soon run out, and the murderous campaign of one of Britain's most notorious serial killers will finally be put to an end. History Daily is sponsored by Quince. What's the difference between a closet and a wardrobe? While a closet is a small space full of clothes, A wardrobe is a statement to the world that you have style and taste. That's where Quince shines. Premium fabrics considered design and everyday essentials that feel effortless to wear and dependable even as the seasons change. Like lightweight sweaters or short sleeve polos in real Mongolian cashmere bottoms and shorts in European linen and 100% long staple Pima cotton tees. These are attractive, versatile pieces built to hold up to regular wear and still look good like the pieces we outfitted our daughter with. A new hoodie, a a bracelet and some wide leg fleece pants that were the hit of winter. Right now go to quince.comhistorydaily for free shipping and 365 day returns. That's a full year to build your wardrobe and love it. And you will now available in Canada too. So don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to quince.comhistorydaily for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.comhistorydaily History Daily is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Fiscally responsible financial geniuses, monetary magicians. These are the things people say about drivers who switch their car insurance to Progressive and save hundreds because Progressive offers discounts for paying in full, owning a home and more. Plus, you can count on their great customer service to help you when you need it. So your dollar goes a long way. Visit progressive.com to see if you could save on car insurance, Progressive Casualty Insurance company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states or situations.
- [20:13]
Katie Duke
Hi, I'm Katie Duke and I've been a nurse for over 20 years. Listen, I used to think that I was my most stylish in my 20s, but honestly, style and confidence only get better with age and that is why I love figs. These scrubs are beautiful, comfortable and they are built to last. They're not those boxy, scratchy uniforms that we all started out in. No, no, no. These figures fit perfectly, they feel amazing and the quality is just wow. My favorite color Burgundy. It's chic, it's timeless, and it's even the same color as my apartment because I'm kind of obsessed with it. And I love adding custom embroidery to make my scrubs as personal as my style. And since I work in telehealth, my embroidered figs even double as my ID badge. It's never too late to reinvent yourself or your scrubs. Get 15% off your first order at wearfigs.com with the code FIGSRX. That's wherefigs.com, code FIGSRX for 15% off your first order.
- [21:13]
Josh Spiegel
Hey, I'm Josh Spiegel, host of the podcast Lunatic in the Newsroom. If you enjoy journalism that drifts into mild panic, wild overthinking, and a guaranteed nervous breakdown, Lunatic in the Newsroom is for you. It's news like you've never heard before. The only newsroom with a panic button. You'll laugh, you'll cry and gasp in horror as the show spirals completely out of control. And it's not just news, it's emotionally unstable. Lunatic in the Newsroom. Listen Today.
- [21:51]
Lindsey Graham
It's 9am on March 31, 1953, near Putney Bridge, London, A week after bodies were discovered at John Christie's home, Police Constable Thomas Ledger walks his beat along the Thames, his footsteps matching the sluggish flow of the river. Though cars and buses roll slowly over the bridge above, the riverside path is quiet and deserted, all except for one man standing near the water's edge. He's poorly dressed, his coat hanging loose around his slumped shoulders. He isn't looking at the water so much as through it, so Constable Ledger asks if the man's alright. Man turns, startled and then nods. Ledger presses a bit, asking if the man's looking for work, and he says yes, but explains that he's waiting on his unemployment papers. He gives his name as John Waddington, but has no identification to prove it. That's when Constable Ledger notices something and asks the man to remove his hat. The moment the brim lifts, Ledger recognizes him. For the past few days, this man's face has been everywhere. In newspapers, on posters, on bulletins in the police station, and there's no mistaking it now. The man in front of Constable Ledger is John Christie. Ledger places a firm hand on Christie's shoulder and informs him that he's under arrest. Christie doesn't argue or try to run. He simply complies, as if he's been expecting this moment all along. Then later, under questioning by police, Christie admits to murdering seven women, including his wife, Ethel. He's sentenced to death and executed on July 15, 1950, by the same executioner that hanged Christie's neighbor, Timothy Evans, just three years earlier. Thirteen years after this death, the British government will announce that Timothy Evans has been posthumously pardoned. Now that it's clear that John Christie was the real killer of Beryl and Geraldine Evans, Timothy's body will be exhumed from its grave at Pentonville Prison and returned to his family for a private burial. By then, Britain will have effectively abolished the death penalty. But the change came too late for Timothy, and the terrible injustice he suffered was only revealed when John Christie's killing spree came to light after the discovery of bodies at his former home on March 24, 1953. Next on History Daily March 25, 1807 after decades of campaigning, the British Parliament passes a law making the slave trade illegal. From Noiser and Airship this is History Daily Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohammad Shazib Sound design by Molly Bach Music by Thrum this episode is written by and research by Alex Burns. Edited by Scott Reeves Managing Producer Emily Burke Executive producers are William Simpson for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Nouser.
- [24:57]
Josh Spiegel
Every day the world gets a little weirder and a lot more awesome. Cool Stuff Daily takes a look at everything from mining in space to the latest in the fight against cancer to how AI is basically changing everything. It's all the cool stuff you didn't know you needed to know. Join us for Cool Stuff Daily as we take a quick look at science tech and the Wait, what stories that make you sound way smarter at dinner. Subscribe to Cool Stuff Daily now because the future's happening fast and it's way too fun to miss. Hi, this is Alex Canceroitz. I'm the host of Big Technology Podcast, a longtime reporter and an on air contributor to cnbc. And if you're like me, you're trying to figure out how artificial intelligence is changing the business world and our lives. So each week on Big Technology, I bring on key actors from companies building AI tech and outsiders trying to influence it, asking where this is all going. They come from places like Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, and plenty more. So if you want to be smart with your wallet, your career choices, in meetings with your colleagues and at dinner parties, listen to Big Technology Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.