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  • Title
    Papers relating to the case of Thomas Smethurst
  • Reference
    MS/2203/F
  • Production date
    1859 - 1859
  • Scope and Content
    Apothecary and water-cure enthusiast Dr Thomas Smethurst, also known as ''The Richmond Poisoner'', was convicted of the murder of Isabella Bankes, his wife through bigamous marriage. However, the guilty verdict proved controversial and the medical evidence provided during the trial was disputed. Taylor had admitted during the trial that one of his tests for arsenic had been contaminated, which, despite Taylor's confidence that arsenic was present, cast doubt on all the forensic evidence. Smethurst was eventually reprieved and pardoned for murder, however he did have to serve time for bigamy. The collection contains a report, press cuttings and a pamphlet relating to the case.
  • Extent
    1 folder
  • Language
    English
  • Level of description
    SERIES
  • Repository name
    Science Museum, London
    • Associated people and organisations
  • Conditions governing access
    Open Access
  • Conditions governing Reproduction
    Copies may be supplied in accordance with current copyright legislation and Science Museum Group terms and conditions.
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