Whoever said history was dull had obviously not come across Dr Worsley.
Her television series have won her many fans as the “sold out” notice outside the theatre bore witness. Her great knowledge was put across with enthusiasm and a great deal of humour.
The theme of her illustrated talk was the obsession the British have with murder – both actual and in novels.
In looking at the history of this fascination she dealt with the Georgian and Victorian periods as well as the golden age between the wars.
Georgian murderers were mainly working-class ruffians or highwaymen who were charismatic, as opposed to today’s psychopaths, while those of the Victorian age tended to be sophisticated middle-class poisoners.
The writing of the golden age produced what Alan Bennett described as “snobbery with violence” with their country house settings and aristocratic sleuths.
The Ratcliffe Highway murders and those at Round Hill House were used to illustrate the birth of police forces and detective investigation.
Worsley ended by taking questions from the audience. The biggest laugh of the evening came when asked if she would ever appear on Strictly Come Dancing – a one clause pre-nuptial agreement forbids her to do so!
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