The Murder That Changed Britain

2026-08-13

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Ruth Ellis made history in 1955 when she was the last woman hanged in Britain.She shot and killed her abusive lover, the racing driver David Blakely, at point blank range on a spring evening outside a pub.What events led up to this seemingly cold-blooded moment? And is it right that Ellis was recently granted a pardon for this murder?Trigger warning: this episode contains themes of abuse which some may find upsetting.This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart...

Ruth Ellis made history in 1955 when she was the last woman hanged in Britain.

She shot and killed her abusive lover, the racing driver David Blakely, at point blank range on a spring evening outside a pub.

What events led up to this seemingly cold-blooded moment? And is it right that Ellis was recently granted a pardon for this murder?

Trigger warning: this episode contains themes of abuse which some may find upsetting.

This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.

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All music from Epidemic Sounds.

Voting is now open for the Listener's Choice Award at this year's Podcast Awards. Click to place your vote on the Spotify mobile app: https://open.spotify.com/s/xhg6PJa

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