The Case of the Fatal Refusal
News of the Times Episode 446 | 1863
In today’s episode, we journey to Derbyshire in 1863.
Elizabeth “Bessie” Goodwin, 22, is known for her kindness and remarkable talents. For years, she has shared an understanding of engagement with George Townley—a musically gifted but financially struggling young man. With Townley living miles away in Manchester, their relationship is sustained largely through letters. However, marriage remains an impossible dream.
Bessie resides with her devoted grandfather, whose guest—a charismatic and eloquent clergyman—soon catches her eye. Drawn to his charm, she accepts his proposal and ends her relationship with Townley.
But Townley, though quiet by nature, is a man of intense emotion. Unwilling to accept their parting without hearing it from Bessie herself, he seeks her out. Their final meeting ends in tragedy.
The case gripped the nation, igniting debates about love, commitment, and the morality of a woman choosing a new suitor over an old promise.
We unravel this sensational case—its background, the crime, and the verdict.
And in our closing further particulars segment…
We explore a chilling mystery from the same era: the unexplained death of an elderly woman whose image remains eerily imprinted on a glass pane—resisting all attempts to erase it.
Hosted by Robin Coles.

#NewsofTheTimes #truecrimedocumentary #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #victorian #history #realcrimestory #victorianera

Patreon: patreon.com/NewsoftheTimesHistoricalCrime
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EPISODE
If you like this, here are links to some other recommended videos:
1862: Catherine Wilson - Serial Killer Saturdays | Ep39v
https://youtu.be/GL5fdj0FVPU
1864 - 1905 : A Collection of Murderous Railway Stories | Ep58
https://youtu.be/hUyRN3fWDvw
1868 -1899: Jerome Caminada - The Original Sherlock Holmes | Ep79
https://youtu.be/6shEDMJj0ro
1868: Frances Kidder– the Last female Public Execution | Ep100
https://youtu.be/zK4WuKx9p8k
1865-1920: Madness, Mayhem and Murder on the Railways | Ep106
https://youtu.be/TgAqhsp3xdY
1869: The Pantin Massacre | Ep125
https://youtu.be/PmxL0CE5iUY
1865: Dr Edward Pritchard | Ep131
https://youtu.be/w0XXXGnE-6g

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Unlocking the Vaults of Historical Crime, your gateway to a captivating journey through the darker pages of history. We dive deep into the annals of crime, unearthing forgotten stories, unsolved mysteries, and notorious criminals from the past.

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