Murderous Cases of Real Life Sweeney Todds
News of the Times Episode 415 | 1156 - 1895
The legend of Sweeney Todd has fascinated and horrified audiences for generations. While the infamous barber and his pie-making accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, are creations of Victorian Penny Dreadfuls, their grisly tale has parallels in chilling true crime stories throughout history. Today, we’ll delve into three spine-tingling accounts that echo the macabre legend of Sweeney Todd.
Our first story takes us to the mid-12th century, to the hamlet of Colnbrook, where an innkeeper named Mr. Jarman and his wife reportedly devised a horrifying murder trap. Tales describe a bed fixed to the floor, a hinged trapdoor, and a vat of boiling water beneath. It’s said that up to 60 unsuspecting victims met their gruesome end here.
The second story, from 1776, tells of a butcher’s apprentice consumed by a grotesque curiosity—wondering whether human flesh really does taste like pork.
Finally, our third story, from 1895, follows a schoolmaster who visits a barber for his usual shave. As his head tilts back, the scene is eerily reminiscent of the Sweeney Todd legend, with a sinister twist.
And to wrap up this chilling episode, our “Further Particulars” segment uncovers a real-life horror from 1885—a derelict building discovered to be disturbingly decorated with human body parts.
Hosted by Robin Coles.

#NewsofTheTimes #truecrimedocumentary #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #victorian #history #sweeneytodd #horrorstories

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EPISODE
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1894: The Achill Atroc

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