The Mysterious Murderer Enabler of Norfolk: Hannah Shorten
News of the Times Episode 461 | 1832 & 1835
In today’s episode, we’re traveling back to Norfolk in the 1830s—a place left shaken by not one, but two shocking cases of multiple murder, just a few years apart. And at the center of both? Whispers of a cunning woman—another word for a witch—named Hannah Shorten.
In both cases, Hannah is said to have quietly offered her mystical advice to women desperate to change their fates.
First, in 1832, we meet Mary Wright—trapped in an unhappy marriage and seeking out Hannah Shorten for help. Soon after, both Mary’s husband and father are dead, buried on the same December day.
Then, in 1835, the small village of Burnham is rocked by another string of mysterious deaths. Once again, Hannah’s name surfaces—this time connected to two best friends, Fanny and Kate, who had also sought her counsel about their tangled love lives.
Today, we’re diving into both chilling cases and the shadowy figure of Hannah Shorten, whose influence seems to linger over them all.
And if that’s not eerie enough, stick around for our 'Further Particulars' segment at the end, where we’ll share the haunting medieval tale of the Witch of Berkeley, as recorded by the famous 12th-century historian William of Malmesbury—writing from none other than the legendary Glastonbury Abbey.
Hosted by Robin Coles.

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EPISODE
If you like this, here are links to some other recommended videos:
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