TRUE CRIME BOOKS
Ancestors delves into the unique and often unsettling true crime stories from Britain's past. Discover compelling narratives rooted in meticulously researched history, bringing to light cases that shaped our understanding of justice and society.
Inmates of Broadmoor: A century of secrets.
Our true crime books delve into the fascinating history of the world's first Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Broadmoor, at Crowthorne in Berkshire, England. Opened on the 27th May 1863, with the arrival of eight women from Bethlem Lunatic Asylum in Southwark, Surrey, it marked a new era in criminal justice and mental health. The first male inmates followed on the 27th February 1864, also from Bethlem Asylum. In 1948, it transitioned to the Broadmoor Institution under the NHS, evolving into Broadmoor Hospital about ten years later. Our stories bring these historical shifts to life.
The cases recorded within our books span an incredible spectrum of human experience, from minor transgressions like stealing a fruit cake to the gravest acts of murder. We meticulously document the stories of these patients, including the first eight women and the first eight men ever admitted, and many more. Each narrative offers a window into the societal norms, legal frameworks, and human psyche of the time, making our books a unique contribution to true crime literature.
Our research uncovers the detailed crimes of Broadmoor's earliest patients. For instance, among the first eight women, one was committed for stealing money, while the other seven faced charges for devastating crimes against their own family members. These included one case of attempted matricide (the killing of one's husband), two instances of filicide (the killing of one's own child), three tragic cases of infanticide (the killing of a child under 12 months), and one charge of attempted infanticide. These deeply human stories offer unparalleled insight into historical criminology.
Discover the full stories
These compelling stories will captivate true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone intrigued by the darker chapters of Victorian social history and criminal justice. We want visitors to feel a profound sense of curiosity and historical immersion, prompting them to explore the full narratives within our books and understand the human stories behind these infamous cases.
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