Journey Across Britain’s Murder Map With Vicky McClure And Jonny Owen On Sky History
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Carl Roberts 
Get ready to journey alongside Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen and explore Britain’s Murder Map on Sky History this April.
In a unique historical crime series, Vicky McClure (Line of Duty) and her historian husband, Jonny Owen, travel the UK exploring historic, culturally significant crimes that have changed the face of modern Britain. This happens in the Sky History series, Britain’s Murder Map.
The married couple investigate unsolved murders, miscarriages of justice and milestone cases that have changed the law. Speaking to experts, historians, police officers and victims’ families, they examine the lasting impact each murder has left on the community. Also, they consider why these cases still resonate today.
Joining Vicky and Jonny on their journey through these crimes are a range of contributors, including Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, historians Dr Fern Riddell, Huw Williams, Phil Carradice, criminologist Professor David Wilson and more, as well as families of both victims and suspects.
THE EPISODES
Episode One – Burke and Hare
Tuesday 7th April
Vicky and Jonny head back to Edinburgh in 1828 to examine how the proliferation of private medical schools needing a fresh supply of corpses for dissection led to the phenomenon of grave-robbing. This also led to the infamous murders of serial killers Burke and Hare. The episode features Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh. He took inspiration from the Burke and Hare case for his other works. It also features historian Owen Dudley Edward. He is often considered the authority on the murders.
Episode Two – 10 Rillington Place
Tuesday 14th April
Vicky and Jonny examine what led to the biggest miscarriage of justice in British Criminal history; the execution of Welshman Timothy Evans in 1950 for crimes committed by John Christie. To understand more, Jonny visits his – and Timothy Evans’ – hometown of Merthyr Tydfil. Together, the duo meets experts who shed new light on the case. This includes Edward Fitzgerald CBE KC, who represented the Evans family in the case of his wrongful execution.
Episode Three – Bible John
Tuesday 21st April
This time, Vicky and Jonny explore the relationship between the press and the police in 1960’s Glasgow as a manhunt was underway for a serial killer, the press labelled ‘Bible John’.neighbournd Jonny examine the case and how the victims were treated by both the press and the Police. Additionally, they sit down with people on both sides and examine theories about an explosive cover-up. Actor Jonathan Watson (Two Doors Down, Only an Excuse?) discusses his former neighbor Joe Beattie, a detective involved in the original enquiry.
Episode Four – Kelso Cochrane
Tuesday 28th April
Vicky and Jonny travel to Notting Hill in 1959 to examine how racial tensions in the area lead to Antiguan carpenter Kelso Cochrane’s murder. The duo investigates why authorities never charged anyone with his murder, even though there was clear evidence against them. Moreover, they consider how Kelso’s death inspired change in the community with the Notting Hill Carnival. Dr Jak Beula, a cultural activist helping to memorialise Britain’s rich and diverse history, introduces the duo to the case. DJ Norman Jay MBE breaks down the iconic history behind Carnival.
Episode Five – Dr Crippen
Tuesday 5th May
In this episode, Vicky and Jonny journey back to North London in 1910 to delve into the treatment of Edwardian women, focusing on the tragic case of Cora Crippen, who was murdered by her husband, Dr Crippen. They engage with true crime historian Lindsay Siviter and Dr. Fern Riddell, an expert in gender, sex, and Victorian culture, to uncover why this domestic murder stands out as one of the most sensational cases in British criminal history.
The series starts on Tuesday, 7 April at 9 pm on Sky HISTORY and HISTORY Play.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
