The Tragic Case of Maria Marten and the Red Barn Murder | Did a Ghost Help Solve the Crime?

The Red Barn Murder occurred in 1827 in Suffolk, England, when Maria Marten was killed by her lover, William Corder. They had planned to elope, meeting at the Red Barn near her home, but instead, Corder shot and buried her in the barn. Maria’s stepmother later had dreams about the murder and urged her husband to search the barn. Maria’s body was found, leading to Corder’s arrest. He fled but was caught, tried, and convicted. Corder was hanged in 1828. The case became infamous due to the grisly nature of the crime, the supernatural element of the dream, and the widespread media coverage, making it one of the most sensational murders of the 19th century.
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[@wishingstar22]

Welcome back, sir! You have been missed! ❤️

[@feelthejoy]

This is one of the few channels that covers and stories that haven’t been covered a million times by multiple KZbinrs. So grateful for you!

[@tamaramcgill5820]

This is very true, I'm getting so tired of repeating stories. I been watching true crimes for so long , running outta stories, but you do get originals

[@laurieb3703]

Scary interesting is good too

[@LenasBurlesque]

Well,I never and Brief Case for the win

[@Dharmarenee]

Try “They got way with murder” and “The Crime Reel” they are excellent and do old crimes.

[@Dharmarenee]

I love the aesthetic aspect of this channel.

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Sunset, crunchy leaves, tea and Paul...perfect autumn evening ❤

[@tomschmitz8884]

Where do you live? I am in Parma Ohio USA… it is hardly fall just yet.. all the leaves are still on the trees however the temperature has recently plummeted about 20° and even more at night.. but like I said, it's hardly fall.

[@angelmessenger8240]

@@tomschmitz8884 Not everyone lives in America.

[@haplessasshole9615]

@@angelmessenger8240 Which might explain with @tomschmitz8884 asked where @thejudgementalcat is located, I suspect. Heck, here in Ohio alone, there are three distinct bands of weather -- Northern OH, where Parma is located (it's pretty much Cleveland), Central OH, where I am, and (not surprisingly) Southern OH. There are loads of geological reasons why this is so. Parma will be about two weeks ahead of my location in autumnal progress, while I'll be about two weeks ahead of, say, Cincinnati. In Spring, it's the reverse. It's fun for a birder like me who has friends all up and down the state, because you really get to watch the migration.

[@haplessasshole9615]

@@tomschmitz8884 My gracious! I went to BGSU about a million years ago (1974-78 -- yes, _that_ 78), so I met loads of people from the Land of Cleves and its whole Metro area. Back then, Parma was a predominantly Italian parish, Euclid was Polish, and so on. I learned I could guess a person's background from their suburb. "I'm from Lakewood." "Yeah? You're probably WASP, like me." "Umm... yeah." I _adored_ all the parish festivals, and how they scheduled them during the summer. Kielbasa one weekend, and Wienerschnitzel the next? Sign me up! Do they still do this? It's been getting brisk here in Central OH. The topmost leaves of maples are juuuust showing a bit of blush. And I hope the aurora borealis makes an appearance again tonight!

[@SputnikDeb]

@@tomschmitz8884 I live in western Washington state, near Seattle. We have crunchy, fallen leaves already.

[@nickleturtle]

William's whole family died in a very short span of time and then he was proved to be a murderer. Did anyone ever think maybe he was also involved in the deaths of his family members?

[@wasyertakeawaythaturmadeofcorn]

Or his baby's death?

[@slytheringingerwitch]

@@wasyertakeawaythaturmadeofcorn Well infant mortality was high then but I think people should have been more suspicious of his relatives' deaths.

[@SputnikDeb]

I had the exact same thoughts!

[@ancatdal]

I've been missing these ❤ I can't believe people would chip away at someone's gravestone for souvenirs, at least not the gravestone of the victim of a gruesome crime!

[@haplessasshole9615]

It was a Victorian thang. Seriously -- part of the reason many of the ruins in Rome are so ruinous. They'd take the Grand Tour equipped with little hammers and chip samples from stone structures of any interest whatsoever. It's why so many of the columns and monuments in Rome are pitted and marred up to about six feet.

[@gothmamasylvia462]

You are an excellent storyteller.

[@haplessasshole9615]

Isn't he? He's got the Celtic storytelling genes in spades. His voice is restful, he doesn't sensationalize, and the man certainly knows how to turn a phrase.

[@ecabe1793]

Nice to see you back! And with a case I hadn’t heard before! A pleasure to hear your voice as always. ❤

[@smolCharlotte]

Oh my goodness I used this murder case in my history dissertation! Your retelling has made me so happy ❤ Thank you

[@rvdb7363]

What was the subject of your dissertation?

[@smolCharlotte]

@@rvdb7363 My history dissertation : Dissection, Medicine and Death in 19th C. England

[@ewaboyle2310]

Hello 😊 Your voice is so soothing (despite the topic), and makes the story so much more enthralling! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@iTsEfFiNsTePhh]

Also fun fact: the portrait you're using isn't actually of Maria but of her sister- people thought they looked really similar (plus they were a poor family before photography so there was no depictions of her) so they had her sister sit for a portrait 😊

[@Dawna-gp1zk]

Interesting. Bit odd that the drawings depict women without breasts.... unnaturally flat chested.

[@ImCarolB]

I appreciate that bit of information!

[@jon9021]

Very interesting, thank you!

[@gigiwilson9124]

It's great to have you back with another enthralling true crime story. Thanks again, Paul, for all your hard work

[@maltliquormarauder6253]

I’m watching this as I detox. Your voice is soothing that helps with the shakes.

[@SetiSupreme-d7o]

Dude. You are strong. Keep at it. You don't need that shit 💪

[@Ladykat1808]

Hang in there dude, what you're doing is amazing. You got this x

[@georginaellison6280]

You'll get through this and you'll feel wonderfully free! Early congratulations 👏👏👏❤❤❤

[@blc28x]

One day you will look back and all this work will give you real perspective! You will see how sick you really were, i was there too. I am here now. We will go there together 🤝🫶🙌👏

[@leviathan8215]

Good for you! True crime helps me through tough times too

[@shortshins]

I'm from suffolk very near to Polstead and it's really nice to hear the red barn murders covered by such a great channel !

[@angelfriend3710]

So glad to cozy up in my chair for an evening with the offerings of Mr. Paul. Such a lovely evening now, thank you! 🍂

[@LegendOfKitty]

I really like these historical cases. Thank you for covering them!!

[@KeweenawPatriot]

Let's go. I can't wait to watch this. Been missing you Paul.

[@thurayya8905]

Thank you. I had heard of the case, but not the disgusting details. Not only was the hanging botched in the cruelest way, but the body was subjected to horrific indignities. It was as if the public had taken leave of their senses.

[@shanegallagher3325]

Thank you Paul you are awesome 👌

[@vampcat260]

Very good storytelling Paul. No one can hold a candle to you 💕 Thank you Sir

[@stephaniehowell1109]

Oddly, your vids help me relax after a hard day at work. Thank you. Missed you!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@angelabrothers]

Thank you for another tale of murder, mystery and wonder Mr. Brodie. I so enjoy the care and attention you give to each story and just how articulate you are.

[@emmajulian8716]

It's lovely to see you back I'm so looking forward to this video thank you Mr brodie and team 😊

[@lithiumflower6381]

tom waits also wrote a song called murder in the red barn. from his 1992 album. bone machine.

[@blc28x]

Gonna look it up right now! Awesome music fact 👏

[@LazyIRanch]

"...And no one's asking Cal about that scar upon his face 'Cause there's nothin' strange about an axe with bloodstains in barn, There's always some killin' you got to do around the farm A murder in the red barn, murder in the red barn..." (I love Tom Waits, been a fan@ 40 years.)

[@RibenaToni]

Thank you so much for this video,❤ I really enjoy them. This story is a personal one for me as Maria is a distance cousin of mine and when i found out about the story, it was not a very well known now i dont think so its nice that Marias story is told.

[@jpendowski7503]

Appreciate your storytelling in a non-sensational manner. I’m glad you bring light to these historical events.

[@lorifromtemeculaca426]

Love the SKULL in those clouds around the 20:00 minute mark, so creepy!

[@sspotter1978]

Hello from Ohio!!! We love you here!❤

[@PamelaTitterington]

What a great story,in the end it was sad, thinking of the reality of her life, but she is remembered ,thanks to your research thankyou

[@jenniferkennedy4773]

Thanks!

[@WellINever]

Thank you so much, Jennifer 😊🙏

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

Hello Paul. Hope You're okay XXXX

[@WellINever]

Hello, Fay-Amie! I am well, thank you, and I'm glad to be back!

[@jenniferkennedy4773]

Hope kevin? Ok

[@emmajulian8716]

Im addicted to your wonderful story's mr brodie your voice is so relaxing you tell every story with the most sincere

[@benzomanic2972]

Usually Im particular on the content but everything you do is amazing. Thank you

[@djdouglas-gf2nk]

It is nice to see you back Paul. Thankyou for sharing another great story.

[@Feline_Frenzy53]

Good story, Paul. Thank you. Good to see you again.

[@r3db0x]

The super solemn way Paul said "and, yes... p*rnography" made me spit my tea 😂

[@rolfsinkgraven]

Welcome back with a great story again.

[@Flamsterette]

Thanks for the upload, Paul!

[@Ms.HarmonyJ]

Paul, it's fantastic to see you all again with yet another amazing video! You always have a knack for leaving your fans craving for more. Much love to you all!

[@nancyhammons3594]

I like to read older books, 1800s and earlier, I believe that I'll ask more questions about the bindings and covers now. EEKK! Thank you, Paul, for another great story.

[@crystalclear6864]

Ah great! Thanks Paul.

[@davidqualls7986]

Marvelous video. I've seen the Tod Slaughter film many times and have read about this case. Glad to learn more about it.

[@NanaBren]

Hello Paul, I missed you. I love this channel and look forward to each episode. I hope you’re doing well. Thank you for sharing these stories with us. ❤

[@jldisme]

So glad to have you back.

[@bettyfeliciano7322]

Hello Paul! Good to see you back again! I love listening to your narrations! Blessings always! ❤️🙏😊

[@lianefehrle9921]

I want you to keep on with these stories. Thank you.

[@mariameere5807]

Wow! Thank you so much! I adore a paranormal twist! I love your style and your work! Very original and genius! Blessings from London! ❤

[@MrsJHarrington]

Good to see you back, Mr. Brodie! I had heard of this story before, but you shared details I never heard before. Thank you and your team for what you do to bring us these masterpieces! 😊

[@cyndi6hdz]

Thank you for sharing these with us!

[@charlvanheerden3786]

What a nice surprise to wake up to. A new video from you is always great news

[@SakuraAsranArt]

So glad to see you are back with more interesting stories told in a compelling way ❤

[@quentincollins1825]

"Suicide was at that time a capital offense". The ultimate stupidity of humanity expressed in one sentence. 😂👍

[@aprilhudson2898]

Thank you for your telling of a tragic story from history! Your voice is always so relaxing ❤

[@christydethlefs9850]

What a crazy story. Thank you

[@randyhebbebusche3644]

Well I never heard of this story before. So sad in so many ways. People haven't really changed at all. Crime pays for TV,movies and books. At least he didn't get away with it.

[@tango6nf477]

Hello and thank you for yet another fascinating story. I have read of this and seen other video's bit this one is by far the most detailed and well presented of them all. Well done and again thank you.

[@mollyaldrich]

This is one of my favorite channels on KZbin. Always glad to see a new video.

[@mountainjune]

Does anyone else say Paul's closing line aloud with him when he finishes these stories? "Well, I never" -Me with British accent. This one was especially disturbing, I don't know what was scarier the murder, or how the public treated the remains of said murderer. Very telling of how morbid and grisly the human race can be.

[@Badficwriter]

I felt called out.

[@cherylsmith950]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@roweng.4245]

Poor lass - sounds like she made some bad (and naive?) choices, and possibly wasn't the brightest one around.

[@karibaritunes]

I love listening to your stories. Thank you!

[@SmilerORocker]

Glad you done this case.... i read about it 30 years ago and not seen it much since. 👍🇮🇪

[@nlm529]

Do you know what happened to Maria’s son? I’m sure seeing his Mother’s death literally played out many times must’ve haunted him. Sad story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@tammypearre5033]

this is my question as well.

[@prevost8686]

The “good old days “ could be quite brutal and hard.

[@sassandsavvy007]

Glad you are back, we missed you. Always a pleasure listening to your voice. As to today's story - I wonder how all this had affected her little boy and what had become of him. Must be a burden for a lifetime knowing about all that had happened to his mother. What with all the public interest in the story and all the made up stuff in addition to the already horrifying circumstances the boy must have been subjected to many unpleasant situations.

[@hound3000]

People's fascination on crimes is still going strong today, though it annoys me that people are cruel enough to take the victim's headstone as souvenirs.

[@sarafleming9893]

Welcome back! Hope all is well. Thank you for covering this and the sketches of how they looked - if for no other reason than the style of clothing. It never ceases to amaze me how much clothing has changed. (I love to sew.). 😊

[@thebooknitter]

I am so happy to see you back Paul and with a story i did not know❤

[@karinac.3378]

So grateful for this channel❤ thank you for your time!

[@iTsEfFiNsTePhh]

Hey Mr Brodie and team hope y'all doing good! ❤️ This was the first historic murder case I ever learned about, really dived deep into, and it'll always stick with me (I still remember when I first saw his death mask, piece of scalp/ear, the book made out of his skin, the weapons, saw his skeleton I think they've since taken it down and buried him, etc definitely interesting but eerie at the same time) 😳 It's just a perfect example of the sexist double standards that were rampant at the time- now if both parties consented to the relationship, there was no pressuring anyone into it, no promises of marriage, knew exactly what could happen if they were intimate, and Maria knew what the consequences would be if the worst happened i'll admit she (and him) were definitely being naive especially Maria because his bad reputation was well known going by the records but if not and he was pressuring her making empty promises and was taking advantage he was an even bigger POS either way because it's impossible to know for sure (I even heard that supposedly he was having an affair with Maria's step mom too hence why she claimed to have had those "dreams" to get back at him) it's wild that it was always solely the woman getting into trouble and suffering the consequences for it whereas the man was free to do whatever in some cases even encouraged to have affairs (I read that Maria was getting threats of being sent to the workhouse for having a child out of wedlock and that's why she was panicking and trying to get him to marry her) even though I know this was sadly common for our women ancestors (fun fact I have ancestors who were actually living in England at the time not too far away from where this happened) it still always gets to me. Those poor children, poor Maria, and their poor loved ones imagine seeing all of that happening. But i'm glad this is at last one old case that got solved because more often then not historical ones don't or at least they don't get the right person. Great video as always ❤️

[@johncmitchell4941]

Yes, I grew up in a boomer generation where the two worst things a person could do were to unalive a President and/or have a child out of wedlock. Then by '69 my Brother's Navy Security Clearance pended on his HS GF delivering an offspring. An obvious racial disparity cleared Bro w/o DNA testing. Putting the child into adoption (cultural pressure) let the bio Dad off the hook. Poor child got the worst of the deal. And yet societies continue to scorn 'illegitimate' births. Civilization was not built by people with 'pedigrees'. Live and let live.

[@coxmosia1]

I've heard of this case before on another KZbin channel, but not in this detail. Thank you WIN for covering it.

[@civillady13]

Welcome back Paul! You’ve been missed. Was there ever a reason why William Corder killed Maria? Surely since their child had passed away there was nothing left that could besmirch his reputation.

[@janepearce5382]

I grew up in Bury St Edmunds, and field trips to Moyses Hall were a regular thing. My history teacher insisted that William was telling the truth. He was of the opinion that she had so much more to lose, that William may also have been having an affair with the stepmother, and she found out. A 12 year old me was fascinated, and this case is both oddly nostalgic and not covered enough

[@CineMiamParis]

She was a poor farmer’s daughter. Indelible stain. Even more so considering he was the last male child alive. He had a duty to marry up, or at least within his social class.

[@janepearce5382]

@CineMiamParis I don't necessarily agree with my history teacher. he had a way of making me question things that made him a really good teacher. This case is probably solved, but there are issues surrounding it that are worth looking at with a modern lens. It's a shame that more chanels haven't picked it up

[@donnariahi2975]

Love this channel and Paul’s voice and telling of these stories pleases me. Well done sir, well done

[@resarm5007]

Missed you...clicked fast!

[@darkangel_1978]

I'm sorry, I know it's a different guy in general, but when I heard "Peter Mayhew," I nearly choked on my food, and in my head, I heard Chewbacca roaring.

[@chrisrussell4385]

Love your videos keep them coming pease! ❤

[@deewhite4346]

lovely to hear your voice again with a new video ❤❤❤

[@Charlotte66666]

Always happy for a new upload, thanks Paul 😊

[@xTigressStylex]

Would be really nice if you covered Elsie Paroubeck's case. I know it's long forgotten and lacks of the official archives but still I'm sure you'd do an amazing job with it. The little girl deserves to be remembered once again. Anyway thank you Paul and the team for another great documentary!

[@badaliceandcharlie]

Always look forward to your stories!

[@pilipalaglas36]

Beautifully told as usual.

[@rubilister9780]

This case is local to near where I grew up. I was fascinated by the case and saw the book -bound with his skin at a local museum many years ago. The case led me to looking into local history and folklore within the Suffolk area.

[@karengoldie6801]

Interesting story.

[@jeanglendinning1860]

i have always been fascinated by the story of Maria Marten and the red barn since i first heard about it when i was a teenager

[@DawnOldham]

This story was heartbreaking. I’ll never know how a person could, in cold blood, savagely kill someone after proposing marriage! Thankfully laws have changed and we are no longer a culture who has a dead murderer skinned, electrified, and left open to viewing. As you said, however, the interest in true crime remains. I know I’ve watched more than my fair share of Criminal Minds episodes!

[@mtaylor7171]

I did a project on this at our local history office and created a pamphlet for Father's Day. This was about 30 years ago!

[@bekkakay8573]

Thank you 😊

[@stevenanderson3837]

I really hate how her gravestone was destroyed she couldnt even rest in peace poor thing

[@1Texasmom]

I love your channel sir ❤️ I love true crime and history ❤️ so this channel is awesome ❤please keep the videos coming 😊

[@trevorwright6165]

thank you so much this was well told by you all the best from trev

[@amberscarbrough4436]

Made it within the first 8 hrs:) love this gentleman's accent/voice so much,no matter the content and/or context discussed,he sounds so soothing #firstdaycrew

[@veronicado1016]

Welcome back sir.❤

[@troyhomann533]

Nice work, sir!

[@dianamdevlin828]

Who said you could be so awesome lol 😉 Mahalo you again for another fantastic tale from long ago. You’re the best Mr. Brody, blessings to you and yours. Warmest aloha Diana 🌸🌈🤙🏽

[@patsysmith540]

Thank you so much.

[@kylieellis5671]

We were just wondering where you'd got to Paul. I missed your videos! 😊

[@IIImobiusIII]

This story made me watch the 1936 movie of the same name and discover Tod Slaughter. His Sweeny Todd is a delight. A master of the style of declamotory acting we just don't see anymore. It really gives an impression of what theater was like back in the day.

[@KeriWTexas]

Welcome back-hope all is well!❤❤

[@SweetChicagoGator]

Another bizarre Penny Dreadful story ! 🐾Strange how Miss Martin's two babies suddenly died after only 2 weeks? Then, poor girl succumbed to her murderous husband. Yet, she was famous in death for many generations. How macabre !! 😨

[@carolilseanne2175]

Growing up near, and visiting Bury st Edmunds frequently as a child, this murder was well known. It wasn't until I was in my teens that I went and found the Court Records Book and the scalp of William Corder. This is the first time I've heard the full story though, so thank you, it filled a lot of gaps in what I knew.

[@michelledesgroseilliers2956]

Paul, you are magnificent 👏 many hugs from the USA 🇺🇸 🤗 ❤️