Deadly Betrayal: The 1828 Mother’s Assassination Conspiracy
News of the Times Episode 457 | 1828
Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into a gripping tale from 1828—one that reveals a dark and twisted side of deadly loyalty.
Thomas Ellson, a 24-year-old member of a notorious sheep-stealing gang, finds himself at the centre of a shocking case. When fellow gang member James Harrison is caught for a different crime, he strikes a deal for his freedom: testifying against Ellson.
But before the trial can take place, Harrison vanishes. Rumours swirl that Ellson’s mother gathered enough money to hire assassins to silence the only witness against her son.
What follows is a case filled with betrayal at every turn—wives testifying against husbands, brothers-in-law turning on each other, a father called to convict his own son, and even a son condemning his own mother. By the end, five people stand accused in a web of treachery and murder-for-hire.
We’ll explore the crime, the players, and the shocking verdict that followed.
And in today’s Further Particulars segment, we rewind to 1811 for a bizarre weather event—one where a storm rained live alligators. Quite honestly, we hate when that happens!
Hosted by Robin Coles.

#NewsofTheTimes #truecrimedocumentary #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #victorian #history

Patreon: patreon.com/NewsoftheTimesHistoricalCrime
YouTube Chronicle of the Times: @chronicleofthetimes2024

EPISODE
If you like this, here are links to some other recommended videos:
1767 - 1829: Employers Who Torture | Ep40v
https://youtu.be/ptzDW7hwK4M
1663 - 1829: Stories of Executioners | 170
https://youtu.be/CdRFl4ajEHg
1869: The Pantin Massacre | Ep103
https://youtu.be/hqyQKRbbRYI
1760 + 1825: Aristocracy: Murder and Scandal | Ep162
https://youtu.be/doAw2ylI1eo
1823 & 1825: Families Who Kill Families | Ep191
https://youtu.be/SGZVBaQE5ww
1824 - 1893: Housemaid Stories of Betrayal and Murder | Ep193
https://youtu.be/WRbJ60mjxf4
1825 & 1895: Scandal and Murder Stories from the Stage | Ep194
https://youtu.be/nzJ34cW2GLs

***
Who are News of the Times?
We are an independent group of historians, researchers , and actor with a passion for historical crime!

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.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! You can also connect with us on
Our YouTube Channel: | https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our Facebook Page: | https://www.facebook.com/News-of-the-Times-101108282697405
Have a question or comment? Get in touch with us at newsofthetimespodcast@gmail.com
If you would like to donate, we love coffee! Warmly appreciated :-) | https://www.buymeacoffee.com/newsofthetd