George Joseph Smith & The Brides in the Bath Murders

In this deeply disturbing and forensic-filled episode, Isla walks us through the crimes of George Joseph Smith: swindler, bigamist, serial killer, and general all-around b*stard. 

Operating in Edwardian England, Smith preyed on lonely women through Lonely Hearts ads, married them under false names, took out life insurance policies, and then drowned them in athtubs. All within a matter of days.

Dee and Isla discuss:

• The social and historical context of Edwardian England

• The challenges women faced around marriage, finances, and independence

• Smith's manipulative tactics and multiple identities

• The suspiciously frequent bathtime deaths of his new wives

• The pioneering role of forensic pathologist Bernard Spilsbury, whose demonstration helped secure a conviction

• The amateur sleuthing that brought Smith down, and the landmark legal impact of the case

Sources:

• "Scotland Yard: A Bloody History" by Simon Read

• Murderpedia: George Joseph Smith

• Newspaper archives: The Times, Daily Mail, Waterford Observer, Kent Messenger, Daily Sketch (1912-1915)

• Old Bailey proceedings archive

• Wikipedia: George Joseph Smith

• News of the World (January 1915)

• Execution records (Maidstone Prison, 1915)

• The Brides in the Bath (2003 TV film starring Martin Kemp)

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