Tales from The Hangman's Record Episode Fifty Seven. Louisa Merrifield - 18th Sept 1953 Manchester

[@Bob-tq2jv]

At least Mr Merrifield didn’t get full ownership of the bungalow in the end. Justice was definitely served. Another super edition of this series Steve

[@roytetwart]

The conviction of Louisa Merrifield was sound. Whereas I am sure her husband would have known what she intended to do, there seems to be no evidence to tie him to her evil deed. A great story, Steve. Thank you.

[@1951GL]

Louisa's back story is also interesting, the suspicion she had murdered two previous husbands and the reputation she had in Wigan. Excellent as usual, Steve.

[@davidnelson257]

Greed, stupidity and no critical thinking skills equals a visit from Albert Pierrepoint. No tears from me. Excellent story Steve

[@andysmith819]

Another fascinating case broken down and presented. One of the many things I'm registering is the swiftness of justice... A matter of weeks between sentencing and execution. Thank you for sharing.

[@bergkampmagoo5964]

How could Alfred Merrifield live under the same roof & be in almost constant close proximity to his wife , & not know of her intentions , or worse not be an accomplice in the murder ? If Derek Bentley went to the gallows for the “ let him have it “ comment , how did the justice system allow Merrifield to go free ? He had to have known . If she blabbed to others randomly are we expected to believe she said nothing to him , the other beneficiary of Mrs Rickets will ? * Also , both of Sarah Rickets’ husbands had gassed themselves .. ?? 🤔 . A brilliant presentation , Mr Fielding . Once again , I salute you sir . Thank you for the work you do .

[@melmack2003]

...she probably warned 'the old bugger' not to eat the jam! [it wouldn't 'do' to have two victims with the same symptoms] Of course he knew .....Alfie was a great actor and fooled the judge!

[@Paulie34]

I visited the waxworks in the late 1960's and saw the effigy. Thank you for covering the case. Nasty woman by all accounts. Your presentation was excellent. Many Thanks.

[@davidglanfield7985]

Brilliant tale. So much more research. Very grateful. This case has fascinated me since viewing Mrs M's waxwork at Blackpool. The look of evil on her face sent a shiver down my spine. She did it and a strong likelihood that Alfred was also involved.

[@suemount6042]

Another great case Steve. In the cemetary just up the road where I live Bessie mundy bride in the bath victim is buried in an unmarked grave a few feet in front of another unmarked grave of detective Edmund Reid of ripper fame. And a very distant uncle by marriage Richard Steed was brutally murdered in a country lane in maypole in May 1863 his attacker alfred Aldridge was hung at Maidstone jail. So much fo a sleepy little seaside town back in the day!

[@timothyparker7739]

Another classic Steve. Well done. Warm regards from Australia.

[@mikefellows3901]

Amazing as always Steve ! Many thanks again ... Fact victim had two husbands that gassed themselves is a story itself 🙂

[@jameshogan6142]

Do you mean the murdered woman or mrs Merrifield.

[@brucevaughn2886]

Excellent story! Well written and presented. Most enjoyable.

[@ccooper8785]

The most surprising thing about this case is that even as late as 1953 the defence barrister could successfully object to two women being on a capital case jury.

[@edbaker515]

My late dad once me told me, that my great grandmother left 3 large house s to her house keeper at her passing, so it leaves you wandering what the hell was going on back then, so Steve once again your factual story s, have a way of bringing you back to the near distance pass

[@AlexandersAdventures86]

The episode I've been waiting for, I've always been confused as to who was who, Louisa Merrifield honestly looks alot older than her 40s nevertheless another great Episode Steve 👏 🙌

[@annehickinbottom]

Yes I believe she was guilty. Thanks once again for a wonderfully informative post.

[@anthonysheppard9247]

They didnt waste much time ,,cant understand how the husband got away with it .and why were two women removed from the jury .i reckon justice was served ,for one ,not the husband ...great channel

[@garyhunter2866]

Thoughtful and well-presented, as ever, Steve.

[@nicohurter2973]

Thank you, I always enjoy your videos. Please do some Hangmans Tales from the old colonies. I am of South Africa and was at a stage also a colony of Brittian.

[@matthewspicer1068]

The Last Execution in South Africa was Alpheus SEKOBOANE (33) hanged on 12-Nov-1990 at Rooigrond in Bophutatswana: The Last at Pretoria Central Prison was Solomon NGOBENI (26) on 14-Nov-1989 .... Matthew:)

[@nigelshepherd8248]

Steve, thanks so much for another brilliant tale....yours is the only channel I have subscribed to, where I have watched every single episode...and I have gone back to the start and started watching them all again!!... outstanding research and presentation... thanks again!!

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Kind words thank you

[@troybettles3007]

Great episode Steve. I think the husband had a hand in this. Justice most definitely served.

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

That judge made a point I’ve tried to make in the past. Circumstantial evidence is not necessarily inferior to direct evidence and is often superior. I cringe every time I hear about a case involving “only circumstantial evidence.”

[@NoBootyBeauty]

I rather think it's the other way round; you've tried to make a point that the JUDGE made in the past.

[@nicolad8822]

I can’t believe they allowed the will to stand and Merryfield carried on living there.

[@basingstoke63]

Thankyou for another interesting case Steve . Like ; Ten Rillington place , Let him have it , Dance with a stranger , and A is for acid , I believe this would make for a good film if portrayed accurately . Thanks for your hard work and research , it is appreciated .

[@8214jon]

Another fantastic story Steve

[@ricklee5802official.1Rope_fan]

Awesome tale Steve, nice narration. Thank you for the effort you put in to your uploads.

[@jonathanwaterhouse1]

Well done again sir. Thank you indeed.

[@stuart8358]

Another excellent episode, very interesting and compelling.

[@peterluk1206]

Magnificently and meticulously presented, Steve.

[@frootmcgoose3076]

Thankyou Steve..All the best

[@billy--jones]

Another wonderful episode thanks Steve and I watched all that not even realising until I read in the comments below later that this was the very same Mrs Merrifield that I stood and stared at so many times as a child inside Blackpool's Madame Tussaud's Chamber of Horrors. In the end Mrs Merrifield performed Albert's 8.00am rope dance and I think she got her just deserts, but it's strange to think that these days she'd have been tucked up nice and warm inside one of Broadmoor's lovely bedsitter flats and cared for until her dying days in old age.

[@barbieblacksheep8440]

Amazing Steve and thank you... another great one !

[@kevinkenny6975]

Another wonderful instalment Steve. Thankyou.

[@jacobgur779]

Another gem Steve, many thanks.

[@warburtonpaul]

I knew the case, but the extra detail here is painstaking. Cant get my head around the idea circumstantial evidence may be superior to direct evidence.

[@Kw1161]

Thanks Steve for another excellent video of one of the two murderers receiving justice. The old man may have escaped man’s justice, but I believe he is receiving a far worse and painful justice next to his former wife. Have a great day!

[@dp-sr1fd]

Both husbands gassed themselves! she must have been an absolute Harridan. Sounds like she was lucky to have lasted this long.

[@sarahholland2600]

That's a bit of a coincidence. You could probably drug someone with sleeping pills first, then simply turn the gas on & leave...

[@chrissheppard5068]

I think if she had gotten away with it she would have topped her "Alfie".

[@bungfupanda8936]

She had a cruel countenance. Interesting video 👍🏻

[@jamesross1799]

Ive never understood how mr Merrifield got away with it.

[@richardadams5409]

Great story and presentation as always. She was guilty as hell. As for the husband there was sufficient doubt to prevent him being hanged also.

[@dennyhickey3110]

I just found your channel and love it! Thank you 😊

[@doctordeej]

It was such a catalogue of blunders, one could be forgiven thinking that Merrifield’s actually aim was to be hanged! Never have I seen such a clumsy and ill-conceived crime.

[@angelamary9493]

Just subscribed to your channel through Days Of Horror ..👍

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

@@angelamary9493 thank you, hope you enjoy the channel

[@kevinkenny6975]

Another job well executed by Mr Pierrepont and ably assisted by Mr Stewart.

[@JonfitzFitzjohn-k6s]

Nice One Mate thanks and keep them Coming

[@UXB-p5u]

Hi Steve, once again you have come up trumps presenting another clear concise run through of this troubling case, well done. One question which I did want to ask(if it was mentioned I missed it) Did Merryfield sign for and obtain the poison before starting this 'job' or after she had begun working for the elderly lady? Thanks.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

After I believe

[@UXB-p5u]

​@@thehangmansrecord2860 Thanks

[@otterman62]

thanks steve, definitely more than a coincidence that 2 of her husbands killed themselves and then the old lady died of poisoning ! guilty! He seems lucky to have walked away. great video never heard of her before.

[@robertmoore-hm1qe]

Great video Steve. It was always said that it was an unwritten rule in the home office that poisoners would always hang. Pierrepoint lived close to Jock Stewart and they were good friends.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Pierrepont lived in Hollinwood Oldham between 1946-53. Jock Stewart had a number of different addresses around Oldham at this time. Jock's wife for a time worked as a barmaid at Pierrepont's pub and he advised Jock of how to apply to be a hangman. Jock emigrated to South Africa in the mid 60s

[@robertmoore-hm1qe]

In 1964 I think he lived in Birchenlea Street. I always wonder if his neighbours knew about his sideline… Must have been interesting to know him if they did! Apparently I think I read somewhere he was a nice guy.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

@@robertmoore-hm1qe he did at at the end, probably had 4 different addresses while a hangman

[@derekstocker6661]

Another well done report Steve, sad case indeed.

[@davidnorman7715]

Well presented.i think the system pretty much got it right.The old boy in my opinion had nowt to do with it.cheers steve.

[@1339LARS]

Thank you!!!! //Lars

[@suemount6042]

Ooo a new one can’t wait.will be back for it

[@1089maul]

Steve. Thanks for another brilliant episode. I think that by today’s standards, the evidence given wouldn’t be enough. No doubt they were both complicent but which one carried out the poisoning? Thanks again, Bob

[@iainclark5964]

The anti capital punishment campaigner Violet van der Elst believed the husband to be more guilty but I think she was motivated more by a desire to get Mrs Merrival reprieved and also by the traditional belief still prevalent today that if a man and a woman stand accused of a crime the man is always assumed to the prime instigator.

[@jakereeve9478]

Thank you steve. It would interesting to see a video about the phillip henry case mentioned in the newspaper article at 19:42

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

The scene of crime pics in the Philip Henry case are horrific

[@robertmason6366]

Funny looking bungalow Steve 😂😂😂...never heard of this case. Very surprised as I'm a fanactic over pierrpoint and his craft.

[@robertmason6366]

Sorry seen it again saw the door it looked like top of a house.

[@joeletaxi821]

Excellent story telling as usual. She was as guilty as sin.

[@stevedudley3322]

Excellent presentation, Guilty no dought

[@Fcutdlady]

Love your videos, Steve . Would you consider doing one on james corbitt (i think that's his name) who drank in Albert Pierpoint's pub help the poor struggler, and they called each other tish and tosh

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Yes i have all the info on the case but only a very poor photo of Corbitt

[@larkangel6593]

Steve, I've said before that you have a truly great voice and presentation style, easily adaptable outside the current focus. I understand you're currently covering your own published works, but there's a veritable wealth of crime drama that could keep you busy 24/7. Whether in the public domain or under license, there really is no end to the amount of material available. What you bring to the table is a modern update to the classic true crime genre. But while they had both time and (broad) audience appeal constraints, YT allows for a longer form, deeper dive tailored to an audience who enjoy the pace and detail. I could easily see you with 100k subs, with maybe a regularly scheduled episode released each week.

[@joe-ednew2824]

Another great one Steve! I haven't noticed, but have you covered Freddie Bywater and Edith Thompson? I think I've watched all of your videos, but don't remember this one in your collection. Great job, and cheers!

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

That's not been done yet but in pre production

[@FreyaBastet]

Guilty for sure. But I’d think her husband would have been aware of his wife’s intent albeit this would be difficult to prove. The Merrifields were certainly a pair of rogues. I thought the fact that the victim had 2 husbands who gassed themselves very curious. Also I know £25 in 1953 was quite a sum but that’s all for indecently assaulting a child 😳 Nice one Steve. The photos in this one were especially good. One Q - the report form following an execution. Are these kept at The National Archives?

[@matthewspicer1068]

Yes under the PCOM series although not every case so u'd have to search the name - the report forms are called LPC4 .... Matthew:)

[@davidlange3418]

Very interesting Steve. You may also like to look at the murder of Evelyn Patricia Higgins (Patsy to us kids) aged 10 in Coventry in June 1955 and her convicted killer's hanging in August of that year. It was at the time considered unusual perhaps due to the low key coverage in the newspapers and the fact that Ernest Charles Harding attempted suicide before his arrest.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Hi David. I've done the case in my book hanged at Birmingham, still trying to find a decent photo of Harding before I can do the video

[@davidlange3418]

@@thehangmansrecord2860 Thanks Steve, can't help with a picture I'm afraid but please let me know where this book is available as no luck on Amazon. Cheers.

[@Fcutdlady]

What does the word assises mean . I haven't heard that word here in ireland, though it might have been used historically when ireland was governed by Britain .

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

@@Fcutdlady it was the old fashioned term for what became crown or high court

[@timothywarburton]

Another great video Steve always look forward to every episode , have you considered doing a video on Elizabeth Berry the young lady who was convicted of murder and hanged by her namesake James Berry , anyway thanks for sharing this video with all of your subscribers..

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

I've covered the story in my book Hanged at Liverpool. The problem with the Victorian cases is a lack of good relevant images. I have a female poisoners omnibus special lined up so she'll probably feature in that.

[@davidhamm7909]

I often wonder why the defendant was asked if they have anything to say as to why the Judge should not pass the death sentence when it was mandatory for him to do so.

[@infestusinfestis]

On one of the newspaper cuttings shown toward the end of this video there was a reference to a murder by a soldier called Philip Henry. Any plans to do a video about it?

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

The case will feature at some point, but the scene of crime pics I have are terrible so I cannot use them

[@jameshogan6142]

What an awful crime. The old lady would have not lived for many years after employing the Merrifields so why couldn't they have let her see out her remaining years?

[@Gynra]

Perhaps they caught wind that she intended to change her will again, not in their favour. Furthermore, they seemed excessively greedy and not very bright.

[@jameshogan6142]

@@Gynra Th old lady seemed happy with the care she was receiving so she probably would have left them her property. I think you are right that they were excessively greedy and could not wait for time to take it's course until she passed away through natural means.

[@gareththomas6714]

another fascinating snap shot of British social history-but a very sordid crime committed by an awful couple-how the husband was released i'll never understand-i'm sure i read somewhere that Merrifield walked out on his wife and 10 children years before his marriage to this woman and that she herself had all of her 6 children taken into care-i mean you can't make it up can you

[@johnkorol6462]

Another great episode Steve have you thought about doin a story about the soldiers from the 1st World War who were shot at dawn I know it's a bit of subject and a bit macabre but I think you w8do a good job just a thought

[@martintimothy1915]

04:57 .. "twice widowed with both husbands having gassed themselves at the bungalow," hmmmn begs the suspicion Louisa May Merrifield "offed" the two of them, while for the fact everything went so well both times emboldened her to repeat the process with Sarah Ann Ricketts .. it sounds like Alfred Edward Merrifield should have hanged as well, great video cheers :)

[@Micktyb]

Excellent thanks 👏👍

[@michaeltroster9059]

I find it disturbing that the husband of the killer found a way to,profit from his wife’s execution by pandering himself out as a tawdry side show act. No class.

[@suemcgregor9248]

An utterly stupid crime, Louisa had it made. All she had to do was sit tight and look after Mrs Ricketts but no, she couldn't control a lifetime habit of petty pilfering and both she and Mrs Ricketts paid for that with their lives

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Exactly what I thought. But impatience, greed and stupidity took over

[@geoffreywaller929]

Excellent story Steve. Never heard of this one before....Guilty as charged. Not sure about the hubby.......probably knew but element of doubt.....One of the few occasions where a verdict of Not Proven could have been appropriate!!!!! Have you plans to cover the Hanratty case at some time?

[@stewartmckeand6099]

Rodine the Piper O' Perth. I like it.

[@terryroots5023]

Sarah Ricketts sounds a rum un (no pun intended). 2 suicide husbands, a string of unhappy carers. However, the poisoners were undoubtedly guilty, as well as rather impatient and inept.

[@samsum3738]

Probably both guilty . We shall never know now , but he certainly was no shrinking violet . Anything for a few bob

[@suesmith3744]

Justice was served , but I don’t think the husband was involved in the actual murder . I’m glad he didn’t get the full proceedings from the bungelow though , he didn’t deserve it . Another sad story of greed , stupidness and evil , thanks Steve 👍🏻

[@elizabethbeattie6488]

😂i live close to Devonshire Rd and the.bungalow is still there and occupied 😮😮😮😮

[@Ligerpride]

Its always assumed that the husband of a female murderer is in on the act too, but why? It's not like the reverse is always assumed. Poisoning is quite a devious and scheming method and to be honest I would struggle to trust somebody willing to do that to anybody, and I'm unaware of any poisoner couple killers.

[@MareaSmele-s7k]

Personally I feel both were complicit. I don’t believe in capital punishment, but I believe they both should have received “actual” life sentences!🇨🇦

[@helenaknight8874]

Absolutely guilty being a friend and all she wanted was her money and house disgusting. He's just as guilty in my eyes another good episode Steve

[@waynesallans9162]

Steve that was Brillant …. Did I hear on your channel somewhere that your considering some sort Paytron page ? To help with showing support to the channel ? Waynex

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Cheers Wayne, there will be some kind of patron page in the coming months but in the meantime if anyone wants to help in some small way I have set up two links: buymeacoffee.com/thehangmansrecord & paypal.me/thehangmansrecord

[@larkangel6593]

​@@thehangmansrecord2860patreon is the way to go Its an easy way for subscribers to pay a modest amount for each episode

[@erikgood732]

She was 46, she looks like Les Dawson’s Cissy and Ada characters.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Yes but she's from Wigan....

[@erikgood732]

@@thehangmansrecord2860 that must’ve been a hard paper round.

[@catgladwell5684]

A lot of women who weren't actually very old looked like that in those days. Hard to believe really.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

@@catgladwell5684 men too

[@None-zc5vg]

​@@catgladwell5684Areas like Wigan were so polluted that most "working class" people had abbreviated lives, being lucky to make it into their 50s.

[@richardmichael1124]

It wasn’t clear if Mrs Merryfield had purchased the poison or it was already in the house? I got the impression this was a solo effort by Mrs Merryfield as her husband seemed to be under her thumb and incapable of such an act as it is well known the female is deadlier than the male. Another excellent presentation of a quite famous case in its day by Steve. Look forward to more of Steve’s videos.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

It was thought they had bought the poison together from a Manchester chemist but was never proved

[@davidhollingdale5408]

Good work, Mr Fielding. Guilty as charged. If that odious woman had simply looked after the old lady, like she was paid to she would have ended up with the house,and well out of the arrangement,andworld have lived her life until its natural end; such a pity her innate greed and her utter stupidity led her and her victim to untimely deaths. The husband got lucky. He must have known what was going on,and almost certainly abetted the crime. 💀👾

[@johnhenderson131]

8:37 They certainly didn’t waste any time securing their new inheritance! I would have thought it more prudent to be a little patient, even before the cause of death was determined it would already seem very suspicious and once the cause of death was determined to be murder they’d be convicted (by the media) before they got a ha’penny! Brilliant masterminds!

[@stevek3654]

Excellent video as always Steve. I believe she was probably guilty but personally I would have found it hard to convict her 'beyond all reasonable doubt', without hearing of her previous convictions. I assume that Pierrepoint was being polite in referring to her build as 'Stout', what he really meant was overweight/obese!

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

Stout was the official prison governor’s term as recorded on the LPC4 😀

[@express777100]

hi steve, whats wrong with having 2 women on the jury.pierrepoint and stewart were good mates stewards wife was a barmaid at pierrepoints pub, like to know how the husband got off he must have been an acomplice at the least.

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

I think maybe he felt women would be less sympathetic to her than a male jury

[@matthewspicer1068]

Don't know if it is mentioned in the presentation - but the last woman sentenced to death in England - Mary Wilson (66) - in 1958 was also a poisoner .... She was reprieved and died in prison in December 1962 .... Matthew:)

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

I didn't mention it in this video but I have it recorded in a poisoner special due soon

[@karlbutler2098]

Getting your books

[@jamesross1799]

I can't recommend them enough. Very detailed. A lot of people don't realise how many people suffered the death penalty in our not too distant past.

[@simonmarsden66]

Strange nowadays how they become celebrities and can scratch a living off the back of it

[@Steven_Rowe]

Sarah Ricketts really signed her own death warrant when she changed her will, it was encouraging greed to come to the forefront. It just goes to show the death penalty was never a deterent for stupid people, do they not consider or ask the question, what if I get caught? One thing I really like about your videos is the information you provide about the police investigation and the amount of time and effort they put in to find the person responsible. When I consider how difficult things were thrn compared to today with scientific and technological at the forefront.

[@leslieturner9031]

Justice was served

[@mikewilliams4438]

'Bran' in rat poison? I didn't know that

[@thehangmansrecord2860]

@@mikewilliams4438 I guess it's used as a base or to bulk it out

[@bruceshaw2402]

She was guilty and got her just desserts , as for the husband I think he may not have actually dished out the poison but he was certainly complicit in the murder and should at least have been given life in prison , he should never have had a penny out of the will .

[@HobartBloke]

Deserts, not pudding courses.

[@waynesallans9162]

Sorry for spelling errors lol

[@melmack2003]

I wonder what Alfie's reason was for writing the Queen to exonerate his wife? No doubt he was next in her sights...or maybe he considered Louisa his benefactor?