Stuff You Should Know: Who Put Bella In the Wych Elm?

Released on February 25, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

In the gripping episode titled "Who Put Bella In the Wych Elm?" from the popular podcast Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into one of Britain’s most enduring and mysterious true crime cases. This comprehensive summary encapsulates their in-depth exploration, providing listeners with a detailed account of the key events, investigations, and theories surrounding the enigmatic disappearance and death of Bella in the Wych Elm.

1. Introduction to the Case

Josh Clark opens the episode by introducing the mysterious case of Bella found in a wych elm tree during World War II, a story that has fascinated true crime enthusiasts for decades. He remarks on the eerie nature of the case and its early imprint on his memory, comparing it to unforgettable images from paranormal series like Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Notable Quote:

Josh Clark (03:38): "It's one of those things that I've always just kind of known about, but I didn't know any of the details really."

2. Discovery of the Body

The narrative begins in April 1943, amidst wartime rationing in Britain, where four teenage boys—Robert Hart, Bob Farmer, Tommy Willits, and Fred Payne—stumble upon a human skull in Hagley Wood while searching for food sources like eggs and rabbits. The initial horror and confusion lead them to place the skull back, hoping to avoid trouble.

Notable Quote:

Chuck Bryant (05:27): "They were trespassing and they don't want to get in trouble, so they're just going to put it back and never talk about it."

However, the eldest, Tommy Willits, breaks the pact and informs his parents, prompting a police investigation.

3. Initial Investigation

James Webster, a pathologist from the Birmingham Forensic Laboratory, takes charge of the case. His examination reveals that the remains belong to a woman approximately 35 years old, standing about 5 feet tall with brown hair. The scene suggests the possibility of murder, given the constricted space of the wych elm and evidence of potential asphyxiation using dress taffeta stuffed into her mouth.

Notable Quote:

Josh Clark (07:27): "This could have asphyxiated somebody if it was stuffed into their mouth while they were still alive."

Despite thorough efforts, including tracing the victim’s shoe to the Waterfoot Company in Lancashire, no matching missing persons reports surface, and the case grows cold.

4. The Graffiti Phenomenon

In March 1944, nearly a year after Bella's remains were discovered, cryptic graffiti begins to appear around Birmingham and nearby towns. Messages like "hagley Wood Bella" and "who put Bella in the wych Elm" emerge, sparking public intrigue and prompting the police to reopen the case.

Notable Quote:

Chuck Bryant (10:32): "It's enough that the police were like, okay, this seems a little weird."

5. The Wych Elm Misconception

The episode clarifies a common misconception about the term "wych elm." Contrary to popular belief, it has no association with witches or witchcraft. The name derives from an old English word meaning "smooth" or "supple," referring to the tree's bark.

Notable Quote:

Josh Clark (13:37): "The name wych elm does not mean witch, W Y C H. And it comes from an old English word..."

6. The Margaret Murray Connection

Folklorist and archaeologist Margaret Murray, known for her controversial theories, connects the case to witchcraft. She posits that Bella's death was part of an ancient fertility cult practice, reinforcing the eerie narrative around the case.

Notable Quote:

Chuck Bryant (14:31): "She was really into this thing and this kind of idea, and she had a theory that she had been promoting..."

7. Debunking the Hand of Glory Myth

Murray's involvement leads to myths such as the "Hand of Glory," an artifact unrelated to the actual findings. The hosts emphasize that no severed hand was found, clarifying that the mythological elements were later fabrications that muddled the case.

Notable Quote:

Josh Clark (15:44): "Nothing like what it sounds like with Hand of Glory. Instead, it's an old burglar's superstition..."

8. Reopening the Case and New Theories

In 1953, journalist Wilfred Byford Jones, under the pen name Quaestar, attempts to revive the case with speculative theories involving Nazi spies and occult practices. His contributions introduce new layers of complexity, though they largely remain unsubstantiated.

Notable Quote:

Chuck Bryant (22:01): "He wrote a bunch of very speculative articles about Bella's murder."

9. The 2013 Independent Theory

Decades later, The Independent newspaper proposes a theory linking Bella's death to Josef Jakobs, a German spy. They suggest Bella (Clara Bowerly) was a spy parachuted into England, involved romantically with Jakobs. However, this theory faces significant inconsistencies, such as discrepancies in Bella’s physical description and timelines.

Notable Quote:

Josh Clark (33:48): "This picture of Clara Landau was actually a picture of Clara Bowerly... she would have been 35 at the time of the murder, just like the skeleton."

10. Current Status and Ongoing Mysteries

Despite extensive investigations and numerous theories, the Bella in the Wych Elm case remains unsolved. The absence of definitive evidence and the passage of time continue to shroud the case in mystery. The hosts highlight the possibility of lost or destroyed evidence, leaving room for future discoveries that might shed light on the enduring enigma.

Notable Quote:

Chuck Bryant (39:28): "If you're interested in it at all, go check that out."

11. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Josh and Chuck conclude by emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing sources, as the Bella and Wych Elm case has been subject to embellishments and fictional additions over the years. They encourage listeners to approach the case with a critical eye, appreciating the genuine efforts of investigators like James Webster while recognizing the allure such mysteries hold for the public imagination.

Notable Quote:

Josh Clark (40:29): "Be wary of where your information's from. And there's a lot more to it."

Stuff You Should Know masterfully unpacks the layers of the Bella in the Wych Elm case, presenting a balanced view between established facts and speculative theories. By weaving together historical context, investigative details, and the evolution of public perception, Josh and Chuck offer listeners a thorough understanding of why this case continues to fascinate and perplex.

For those intrigued by unsolved mysteries and true crime, this episode serves as an essential listen, shedding light on a story where reality and myth intertwine in the shadow of wartime Britain.