Murder In The Red Barn!

 

 In 1827 William Corder murdered Maria Marten in what became known as The Red Barn. He lured her there by telling her they would elope together, then shot her in an eye.  His handkerchief was wrapped around her neck when the body was discovered some 11 months later, perhaps she didn't die fast enough and he strangled her, or he may have used the cloth as a cinch so he could drag her to the makeshift grave.  By today's standards the forensic pathology work was pathetic, but it was in it's very infancy at this time.  This Wiki article can tell far more about this than I can or will-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Barn_Murder 

This murder was a sensation at the time, and numerous plays were performed over the years.  My picture is taken from the high melodrama fashion in which it was presented.  The following article has a link to a marionette performance that will give one a very clear idea of journalistic standards at the time.  Scroll down and watch the video link provided:

https://fictionfanblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/a-very-british-murder-by-lucy-worsley/ 

The puppets are the Tiller Clowes Marionettes, and are about 170 years old.