Mrs Crippen alias Belle Elmore in a stage leaflet

DR. Crippen on the steps of 39 Hilldrop Crescent (since demolished).

On the 14 of July 1910 at number 39 Hill drop crescent, Camden Town a startling discovery was made in the coal cellar under the front door steps. Beneath the flagstones there was found the mutilated remains of the unfortunate victim, the body having been cut up, and large pieces of flesh were lying about in various directions. The body later identified Mrs Crippen the American wife of DR. Harvey Hawley Crippen, she was a well known act in the music halls of London known by the stage name of Belle Elmore.

Digging up the coal cellar.

The ghastly remains of Mrs Crippen in the coal cellar.

Neighbours had been told by DR. Crippen that his wife had returned to the United States on February 2nd to attend to business, then saying later that she was seriously ill with pneumonia, and later still that she was dead, and had been cremated near San Francisco, and the ashes were on the way to him. Friends were not satisfied with this story and on June 30th New Scotland Yard was informed of the disappearance. Crippin was interviewed soon afterwards and admitted he told a pack of lies and that he had quarrelled with his wife, whom had now left him he thought she had gone back to the States. The following Saturday DR. Crippen and Miss Le Nove, whom he had told friends he had married left Hilltop Crescent at 1pm. Dressing his typist girl friend up as a boy and calling themselves Mr Robinson and son they got two tickets on the Canadian Pacific Company steamer the "Montrose" which left London for Montreal on the 14th stopping the next day at Antwerp.

The "Montrose" was a slow steamer going from Europe to Canada, with a top speed of twelve knots per hour, her masts were newly fitted with wireless installation for morse code. Once it was discovered they were aboard Scotland yard went into action, informing the captain that Crippen was on board. The Canadian police were notified and for ten days Crippen and his companion were trying to avoid detection, not knowing what was insuring. As the ship docked in port Inspector Dew disguised as a ships pilot Effected complete surprise with the call "I WANT YOU, CRIPPEN". They were both arrested and brought back to London, England to face trial.

Miss Le Neve dressed as the boy Robinson on the deck.

The post-mortem was carried out by DR. Wilcox his findings were that Mrs Crippen was poisoned with Hyoscin the first time this poison had been used to murder. It has a salt and bitter taste that could be hidden in tea, coffee, beer or spirits. DR. Crippen and Le Neve were tried separately, Crippin for murder, Ethel Le Neve as accessory after the fact.

DR. Crippen was found guilty of the murder of his wife and was sentenced to death. Where as Miss Le Neve was found not guilt of being accessory after the fact and was freed.

DR.Crippen was executed on November 23rd at 9 am in Pentonville Prison.

This was the first time that the wireless telegraph was used to catch a murderer on board ship.

Deep in the heart of London, buried beneath the paving stones of historic Southwark, lies the world's most chillingly famous horror attraction. The London Dungeon brings more than 2,000 years of gruesomely authentic history vividly back to life....and death.

GET YOUR FAST TRACK TICKETS- Q-BUSTERS

All content of this site is the property of knowledgeoflondon.com and must not be reproduced without permission. Every effort is made to ensure the details contained on this site are correct, however we cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.
© 2004 - 2008

Contact us | About | Home Page | London Chatroom