The Mysterious Tale of Ferguson's Gang

In the 1930s, the mysterious Ferguson’s Gang captivated the British public with their daring and unusual stunts. Led by the enigmatic “Bill Stickers”, the group was unlike any other gangsters of the era. They were mask-wearing, all-women activists who gave money in quirky ways to help save the countryside. 

In this docudrama, uncover the identities of the people behind the secretive Ferguson's Gang, and unravel a tale of intrigue, mischief and mayhem that made a lasting impact on British heritage. 

[Ad from our sponsor]

This podcast episode is sponsored by family history website Findmypast. 

What was life like for domestic servants, workers and local communities at our most fascinating heritage sites? Discover how people from all walks of life lived and worked, and who with, in hundreds of census records, for free. And find out how to explore your family history. See where the past takes you at: findmypast.co.uk/national-trust 

Actor voices

Lizzie Crarer, Rae Alexander, Sally Rudd, and Caitlin Packer, courtesy of

https://www.primetheatre.co.uk/

Ric Jerrom and James Turton.

Production 

Producer and sound designer: Nikki Ruck 

Sound editor: Jesus Gomez

Explore Further

Discover more about the gang

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/people/who-were-fergusons-gang

Learn more about Ferguson's Gang and their legacy on Polly Bagnall’s website, where you can discover more about the book- Ferguson's Gang: The Remarkable Story of the National Trust Gangsters. 

www.pollybagnall.com/ferguson-s-gang

Copies of Ferguson’s Gang’s ‘Boos’ are available for viewing at The Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre by prior arrangement. 

www.wshc.org.uk/visiting-the-centre.

Ferguson’s Legacy

While Shalford Mill remains closed to the public, you can still explore the legacy of Ferguson's Gang by visiting Newtown Old Town Hall on the Isle of Wight, Mayon and Trevescan cliffs in Cornwall, and Stonehenge.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/isle-of-wight/newtown-national-nature-reserve-and-old-town-hall/history-at-newtown-old-town-hall

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/coast-beaches/discover-mayon-cliff

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stonehenge-landscape