The Twisted Tale of Catherine Hayes | Conspiracy, Murder & Execution

In this true crime video, Kevin Hicks explores the twisted tale of Catherine Hayes, and how she became embroiled in a tale of conspiracy, murder and ultimately her execution. Catherine Hayes was a woman of beauty and womanly charm who captivated the hearts of many, including her husband and a string of lovers. Yet beneath her alluring exterior lay a heart darkened by greed and desire.
Catherine's nefarious plot to rid herself of her well off, but inconvenient husband would send shockwaves through her community, and lead to an excruciating end at the hands of the executioner.
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CREDITS:
Murder ©British Library Board
Tyburn Grandstand ©NPG
Drunken group ©Duncan1890/iStock

[@mindmedic9435]

Just imagine how many a horrendous crimes people got away with that knew how to dispose of a body. Great story, again, Kevin. 👍

[@arnijulian6241]

Only 73% of murders end in a conviction even today. Of that 73% wrongful conviction are present. Mind the law cannot dare appear incapable or unjust when it very much is in every society! Mind any nation with 100% conviction rate I guarantee all are wrongful conviction's like in the USSR or similar dictatorships. Scary thought for most that justice is a lie! Iustitia est regnorum fundamentum=Justice is foundational to kingdom/state/realm/nation. This was the founding maxim of Rome & England but my how people & the so called law have forgotten this or only apply it as they see fit. People never really learn!

[@adreabrooks11]

Each year in the USA, upwards of 20,000 missing person cases go unsolved. This is way, way down from the 1990s - since cell phones, security cameras and so on have made it easier to spot people. Roughly 14,000 unidentified body cases likewise remain unsolved. It can be presumed that most of these are from that pool of missing persons - though, possibly, some are from people who went missing and were not reported, or who went missing from elsewhere and turned up dead in the USA. I don't have any data about how many of those disappearances and bodies are thought to have been the victims of foul play; I was doing the research for a novel about faeries. ^^;

[@Arkasha-Z]

I dont know why but somehow your videos are much more engaging, informative, and intriguing than any high budget Netflix crime documentary or anything like that. I love your story telling style and attitude, thank you for all your videos :)

[@romanmendicant6864]

A russian fascist supporter makes a compliment to an english historian. Twists my mind.

[@Arkasha-Z]

@@romanmendicant6864 The world before you shared your opinion: 🌎 The world after you shared your opinion:🌎

[@carolescutt2257]

@@Arkasha-Z well said my friend x

[@mortem-tyrannis]

Thats what happens when you focus on facts and good story telling not woke diversity and CGI.

[@KennethRachel-xi7dv]

I agree 💯 Netflix has no talent in putting real talent on their channel.

[@MisterSplendy]

What a gruesome way to identify a John Doe! "Hey anyone know this head?" 😂 💀

[@Celtopia]

@SplendyDiccy But ultimately practical,....it worked.

[@MisterSplendy]

This is true!!@@Celtopia

[@joshuabrigden4820]

17:57 The way kevin says "disposed of correctly..." scares me 🤣 like he's got experience.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@pinkushatejar]

11am, enjoying a nice morning beverage and the second I glance at my phone I get the notification for a new one Thanks for making my morning so pleasant!

[@RDRKpdx]

Kevin, you have a charisma that could have only been developed in the real world. You’re a true teacher, your passion oozes from every word, and you’re hands down my favorite presenter on KZbin in any subject. Thanks so much for sharing these (to me as an 26 year old American) bizarre and macabre stories of what the world used to be like. Cheers from Oregon!

[@thehistorysquad]

Gosh, how lovely of you, thank you for your kind words 👍🏻

[@cmoore7780]

Kevin, you stand tall, a man among men, With strength and kindness, time and again. Your courage inspires, your spirit soars high, A beacon of greatness, reaching for the sky.

[@thehistorysquad]

My goodness thank you. I’m humbled by your words.

[@Victoria.Foxworthy]

Oh my goodness. I have captions on and at 2:58 Kevin says, "coal merchant, pawnbroker and money lender", my captions showed "coal merchant, porn broker and money lender" 😂 I almost fell out of my chair !!

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@benjamindover2601]

Before DNA and modern technology it amazes me that any murderers were caught, seems that laziness and stupidity did for Catherine.

[@Metal-Gear-Moogle]

Indeed, the number of innocent people executed in those days must've been astronomical

[@arnijulian6241]

@@Metal-Gear-Moogle ''Since 1973, at least 195 people who had been wrongly convicted and sentenced to death in the U.S. have been exonerated. '' Food for thought lad. You should not insult or accuse the past when today is no different in much of the world lad! Honestly you should look through the pasts records on the matter they were generally far more stringent & less clinical for if they had doubts they would loosen the sentence unlike the USA today or worse from other nations. 113 countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty completely in law but in practice that is another matter as leave western Europe laws are rather optional. I'd be curious of your nationality for I wonder if your people are as civil as you morally claim?

[@docstockandbarrel]

@@Metal-Gear-Moogle There weren't as many people, and people tended to know each other, and they were raised with more religious upbringing which can instill guilt and the desire to confess their sins. Add drinking in small towns and tongues wagging from that, and it's not all that surprising, although I'm sure there were plenty, especially based upon discrimination against minority groups.

[@docstockandbarrel]

@@Metal-Gear-Moogle add onto that that most murders are people who know the deceased, especially family, and that criminals tend to be stupid in the first place, they may have had a better rate of convicting the guilty than the modern day because people can now disappear into the crowd, etc, and despite how obvious it often appears, people expect more forensic evidence. On the other hand, truth is stranger than fiction so there were probably a lot of people who looked really guilty were actually innocent.

[@isrulius]

The question there is how many of these guilty parties were the ones that actually did it. We still have issues of putting away innocent people despite having access to DNA, security footage, digital evidence, etc. Imagine how many innocent people were sentenced who had nothing to do with it.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Brother Kevin: One never knows, from Friday to Friday, which corner of history will produce the weekly story. Each is a nice surprise. I expect next Friday, leading up to Halloween, will be something special, indeed. Thanks.

[@thehistorysquad]

👍 a little spooky yes.

[@homebrewznz3482]

Kevin Hicks, ..The best Minstrel on You Tube bar none. Love your stuff mate 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!!

[@BirdsAlwaysWin]

Can you make more videos about medieval crime similar to this! I loved this story. A series on medieval true crime would be so cool

[@ronaldbender7226]

Kevin, I want to thank you for presenting these sorts of stories to us. You are both entertaining and factual without falling to sensationalism or grotesque. I love how you humanize the people and situations you describe and it really brings new perspectives to what are otherwise two-dimensional characters from history. Thank you again, and I look forward (as always) to your next one!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Ronald 👍

[@williamharvey8895]

The only way to describe this, is like watching a train wreck at 2 miles an hour. I couldn't stop listening?, and being dumbfounded at the twists and turns.

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

Thank you for showing that history is more than just monarchs and wars. I love your stories

[@TheFlyguywill]

Kevin, your storytelling is excellent as always. If this tale is true, it seems Catherine was a sociopath and skilled manipulator. Not traits that would be diagnosed until much later psychiatry

[@KennethRachel-xi7dv]

Absolutely agree with you 💯

[@nickjones6186]

This is brilliant old school, classic story-telling once more Kevin, thanks so much for all your hard work and effort you put in with the outfits etc!

[@ellstark372]

I already knew this story but I have never heard it told so well. Thank you for another fabulous video x

[@thehistorysquad]

You are so welcome! 😃

[@carolescutt2257]

Captivating and drawn in....as we've come to expect from the silver haired storyteller with the twinkle ✨ 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, how lovely, thanks Carole!

[@sklauda1]

I swear you're going to be the biggest source of historically accurate information in my novels XD

[@lorettablakeman3335]

What a gruesome tale,and us humans with our morbid curiosity!Thank you Kevin,I hope to see more,maybe something spooky for Halloween!!🎃🎃🎃

[@poeda6637]

Great story! I love how you bring past events to life - great channel!

[@666janet]

I could listen to your videos all day

[@Campfire_Bandit]

Absolutely an incredible story Kevin!

[@Celtopia]

Thank you Kevin,....once again you've animated a tale from the obscure past,....fascinating,.

[@bernardgrice]

Really engrossed with that one kevin. Thank you

[@christianchatel8387]

Thank you very much. You have a unique way of telling these stories. I love the details and the perspective you give. Please keep doing it.

[@pvtslade2921]

Brilliant (and somewhat chilling) stuff!

[@PRP384]

Thanks for sharing this gruesome tale in such an entertaining and informative way!

[@1339LARS]

Another great story, Thank you!!!!!! Lars

[@chriscookesuffolk]

A remarkable story with a truly grandstand finish. Cheers Kev.

[@williampollock1274]

Damn good story Kevin, Keep them coming! You tell some of the best stories on KZbin!😲👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers William 👍🏻

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Good stuff. I first read about Catherine Hayes in Cilin Wilson's book a "criminal history of mankind" back in the 1908's, and I've always thought she might have had a few psychological problems.. That said, it's very disconcerting that "petit treason2 stayed on the statute until so late.

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

Definitely, i recently watched a video of another women murderer in modern times who reminds me of her with her behaviour and it very likely stems from extreme abuse as a child. 'Man hands on misery'

[@spacewater7]

I wonder how many men were tried for the same criminal statute. After all, the Tyranny of the Petticoat is not to be underestimated 😂

[@kevinpiacente3456]

Very happy to find this channel. You are great

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Kevin, glad you found us 👍🏻

[@Rostov_red_beard]

you are such a gifted story teller. that one was a roller coaster!

[@chicagogyrl4846]

I really enjoy vintage crime! Thanks!

[@michaelpage4199]

As always a truly amazing story. One could really have lost there head over this. Cheers

[@anywherepcgeeks827]

My respect and compliments to you Mr. Hicks. You do an excellent job with these videos and I appreciate the good history lessons.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly

[@tosspot1305]

Captivating! Great video!

[@stevem7868-y4l]

Good to see your back kevin !

[@billbarton9046]

Just got in from work and having a bite to eat, while i watched another great video.Very fascinating and informative history.Keep them up.👍

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

Thank you so much for this fascinating story. You are a superb storyteller.

[@xox1592009]

Amazing story telling ability, could sit and listen all day

[@garryhynds4870]

Well done keep up the good work Thank you,

[@keironrose2653]

Crazy story. Thanks for that. Superb as always

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening

[@JenniferPatrick-tc3lp]

Great story Kevin I really enjoy your videos

[@Convoycrazy]

A fitting end, I’d say, for Catherine. You’re the best storyteller I know of! Thank you

[@Deetzbaby]

Great job Kevin!! Cheers

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@markstephenson6088]

Goodness me!! What a story. A very interesting insight into the social history and goings on during 18th Century England. Thanks for sharing Kevin.

[@carolinevaillencourt7386]

Absolutely fantastic telling of this story. You really brought it to life. I have heard another telling of this story but it was nothing like yours. Your just brilliant Kevin. I truly learn so much from you and your enthusiasm for history and story telling really shows. Thank you 🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you too 👍🏻

[@pamelad5677]

Whoa and WOW! 😳😮 Mr. Kevin, you really know how to hold my attention. Thank you for another history lesson!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, that’s some crazy story eh?

[@overwhelmingapathy721]

Love the Horrible Histories prop Kevin 😂 love your channel, keep it up!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! Will do!

[@marcus3164life]

Yet another awesome video! Keep erm coming Kevin 👍🏻

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! Will do!

[@kimberlypatton205]

You’re the greatest Kevin! That decapitated head in the background… I had to chuckle!

[@Stephanie-dj4iy]

I only noticed it when you said that 😅

[@chrisanderson5317]

Great story telling Mr. Kevin.

[@ozzydewolfe8956]

Hi Kevin love the vids and the history I’m trying at the moment studying the battle of tettenhall and wodensfield

[@thehistorysquad]

A forgotten battle 👍

[@richsmitho101]

If you don't make stupid choices it sounds easy to get away with murder in the past. Great video.

[@dogpound7162]

Very interesting, thanks Kevin, it's unsettling that we are connected to these cruel times, I wonder how much of that cruelty is still in us.

[@okancanarslan3730]

amazing and horrific story. the life of Catherine Hayes should be a movie.

[@pensnut08]

What an interesting tale and the way you told it... Bravo!

[@grindcoreninja6527]

This channel is my spiritual successor for the OG history channel.

[@vilyar122]

I love your props on the table!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@asklamar]

Wow, this was a crazy story. And fantastic story telling as always Kevin!

[@greenmoss9079]

Boy when you tell a story , you go big!! I sat and listen to this and I think there were times I forgot to breathe lol

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, she was quite a character eh?

[@michelleholgate5230]

I’m on a binge watch I can’t stop watching your amazing videos such history such interesting fact’s and story’s and such a wonderful storyteller..I expect there was alot of crime’s that where got away with back then..it’s so interesting to hear these kind of story’s thank you once again for another amazing story..always a pleasure and a delight ❤😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much for watching and supporting the channel Michelle, it really is appreciated. 👍🏻

[@michelleholgate5230]

You are always very welcome 👍🏼🤗

[@baship1]

Thanks for creating your great content Kevin. Your videos make me smile every time... You are one of if not my favourite youtuber.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks!

[@paulspice4717]

Excellent as usual. Head of the class Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly

[@EndingSimple]

I know this didn't come out for Halloween, but came up for me just before it, and its the perfect Halloween video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers, glad you think so.

[@theboss12390]

Once again, great story and a storyteller! Kevin, i enjoy your work :). Keep it up.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@moogdome2562]

I'd like to say, I'm so glad I didn't live in those times if it wasn't for the world today. Back then, you could be hung for stealing a sheep, Or rabbits, theft of a handkerchief and some really Petty crimes. One man, here in Sheffield UK. One distrusting man was caught with a donkey and hanged. Yet another great informative episode. Thanks for sharing. When you burn a finger, the shock and pain really hurt. Just imagine being burned alive. Horrific and cruel.

[@bagel3703]

Always look forward to these videos. Best storyteller on youtube

[@shonamcwilliam2842]

Isn't he just !

[@nuggdimmadome2192]

Hey kev! Hope you're enjoying your trip, really looking forward to seeing the videos from your travels!

[@thehistorysquad]

I am! Thanks 👍

[@jesseleonard827]

Thanks for the great Video Kevin, I always enjoy your work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching

[@nickwebb9290]

That was fascinating Kevin, if not somewhat gruesome as well. Brilliantly researched and told 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@WSFM_Rex]

Love these historical story time videos ❤️ thx for teaching an American about British history ! I’d never learn this stuff anywhere

[@BMO_Creative]

wow... such a crazy story that is real history! some people are just never satisfied.

[@marvwatkins7029]

Some might say that true Justice occured back then. An excellent film.

[@stuartmiller732]

This is a good theme to go with. Look up medieval murders and recount them to us. Great video. That lady was crazy! And her son too, ugh

[@chrisbosley4685]

Great material from the History Squad, as usual, and it seems with a Halloween theme. Is that poor ole' Henry V's head in the corner, after having surgery done to remove the arrow and having it lopped off? :)

[@thehistorysquad]

😛

[@kylehenry4213]

Love you my brother awesome vids

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@cwis8406]

16:30 when he mentions that the grandstand was built just for the event I rewound it several times and marveled about how impressive that would be at the time, to so quickly build such a large structure which needs to withstand a massive dynamic load… then I got to 17:10

[@jchoward6451]

Another great story, well told (and researched)! Thanks Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi JC, thanks so much for the SUPER, it's very kind of you and much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed this grim story 👍🏻

[@davidstrother496]

That is quite the tale of murder, intrigue, seduction and greed. I don't think that Catherine would have actually loved her son very much, as she used him as a pawn in her plot. I won't say she deserved the burning at the stake, but should have been hung with the others. I always enjoy your history lessons. Cheers from Texas.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Dave

[@javiervidal4467]

That was intense!

[@TheJCJexe]

Wow, what a gruesome tale.

[@adders45]

Gripping story, grim to the end. Brilliant!

[@lucdrouin4653]

Policemen will attest that most crimes are committed by dimwits and are no Colombo or Sherlock Holmes mysteries. What are most needed to solve them are perseverance, attention and ingenuity from the detectives, qualities developed through experience. Kudos to the London police of the Catherine’s time, and kudos to Kevin! Notice: the police didn't "question" (torture) the suspects, according to that accompt. Things were not the same on the continent.

[@spacewater7]

Not a single cctv camera needed either. And somehow modern gang bangers routinely get away with it in London and Chicago these days.

[@martinsmith2778]

Awesome story, I'm curious how the confession was known? Were condemned confessions not private?

[@thehistorysquad]

No they weren't, visits to the condemned and their last moments were recorded by ordinary of the prison who went onto publish them.

[@shonamcwilliam2842]

Spat out my coffee laughing at Tyburn jig.

[@patrickrose1221]

"Who pays for that wedding"? 😂

[@JerryCrow]

Not sure i enjoyed the video per se; But i did find it interesting, Cheers Kevin :)!

[@erics4066]

Awesome history! I'm 68, an historian, artist, cook & love wine(especially champagne/ German whites). I investigate new ideas; intrigued but selective!. As I hope everyone is!

[@kenj.8897]

Sir you tell a good story !!!

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

Once again, love the story, great story telling of yours. But, the way she died is a crime in itself. Good that most of our world stepped away from this kind of punishment.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Marco, I'm so glad Julie's not that way inclined.... just as long as I keep doing as I'm told 😜

[@toldyouso5588]

Accused from the grave is a saying that could have originated from this story. Sir Kevin, you never disappoint.

[@MichaelSmith-mc8bd]

What a great story! Fantastic stuff, thanks Kevin. . Catherine was some “lady”. “Sociable” doesn’t even come close !.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@kathleenmholland8055]

Wow! A truly lurid and fascinating case....brought to such a horrifying conclusion. I cannot help but wonder...how were such cases solved in those days? Did they have actual investigators at that time who might have used deductive reasoning? Or were cases solved primarily by making out the connections between a victim, family, and friends and acquaintances? Or the plain blatant stupidity and incompetence of the perpetrators? Can't help but think that would be a helpful factor in finding out who actually did the deed. As a (very) longtime student of forensic investigation, this case is a fascinating one, sir. Thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Some great questions there, I think it was more a combination of b) and c) but they did have coroners. Some of their reports are fascinating 👍🏻

[@kathleenmholland8055]

I wonder if these coroner records are available anywhere for study. I've studied numerous branches of forensic investigation for over 50 years...and these sound fascinating. I'd like to get an idea of..how they figured these cases out...and how they actually caught the correct perpetrators....or not. If you know of a book available on this subject, sir, I'd love to know its title so I can get it. It'd make fascinating reading for an old armchair detective! If you know of any such titles, I'd love to see them and get the books. As always, Mr Hicks, my thanks for your superb and fascinating videos!

[@janetbowersox83]

That rates up there with one of the most brutal murders and exhibits her greed!

[@ruthd7274]

I'm only 3 minutes in and I already feel sorry for John!

[@tomhirons7475]

Thanks

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey Tom, thanks again for the SUPER, as ever very kind of you. Grisly stuff eh 😛

[@tomhirons7475]

@@thehistorysquad it certainly was Kevin.