The BackTracker History Show

He was a charismatic, attractive young man who was one of the lead performers in a travelling circus but his greed would lead him to the gallows. Charles Samuel Bartlett was accused of murdering his mother-in-law Mary Lewis in Stapleton, Bristol on 10 September 1836. He shot her in Lippiatts Lane with a pistol at close range in order to recieve her inheritance. But he wasn't going down without a fight! Hear the extraordinary story of how this man's arrogance led him to the gallows, causing pain to all who knew him. THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES The Chronicles of Crime: Or The New Newgate Calendar. Being a ..., Volume 2 By Camden Pelham Bristol Mercury - Saturday 08 April 1837 (includes picture of Charles Bartlett - very long article with full court events) Sherborne Mercury - Monday 10 April 1837 Worcester Journal - Thursday 13 April 1837 Leamington Spa Courier - Saturday 22 April 1837 https://www.exclassics.com/newgate/ng885.htm

The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in 1864. The Clifton Suspension Bridge’s spectacular setting on the cliffs of the Avon Gorge has made it the defining icon of Bristol, drawing thousands of visitors a year just to stroll across for views of the ancient Avon Gorge, elegant Clifton and the magnificent city beyond. As with anything that has stood the test of time, the bridge comes with many a tale. From Murder attempts to deathly daring, this bridge has seen it all. In this episode, you'll hear only a few of the many stories linked with this amazing structure, and they'll be brought to life by the amazing vocal talents of Marcus KP and Sandra Hobson from Bradley Stoke Radio as well as Tony Allen, a listener from Worcester. And, of course, a special thank you to all those volunteers at B.O.B. Go to https://www.brunelsotherbridge.org.uk/bob_join.html to see how you can support all the hard work that's going into restoring the bridge. THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Western Daily Press - Thursday 29 September 1870 (Safety advice from Vigilant) Gloucestershire Echo - Saturday 09 May 1885 (Sarah Ann Henley) Yorkshire Gazette - Saturday 19 September 1896 (Two girls) Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust. Luton Reporter - Friday 25 September 1896 Kirkintilloch Herald - Wednesday 23 September 1896 Western Daily Press - Wednesday 21 October 1936 Western Daily Press - Tuesday 17 November 1936 Brunel's Other Bridge - https://www.brunelsotherbridge.org.uk Probably the worst thing you can hear when you’re wearing a bikini is “Good for you!”

On 27 July 1877, John Frost - Chartist leader and the man who, more than anyone else, reflected the desire of the Welsh working classes to obtain universal manhood suffrage - died quietly at his home in Bristol. It had been a wild, troubled and often dangerous life. Establishing himself as a prominent Chartist, he was elected in 1835 as a town councillor  for Newport and appointed as a magistrate. He also became an Improvement Commissioner & Poor Law Guardian and the following year became Mayor of Newport but his strong political leanings meant that he had to stand down. On 3–4 November 1839 John Frost, together with William Jones and Zephaniah Williams, led a Chartist march on the Westgate Inn in Newport. What happened next was a mixture of bad luck and unfortunate timing which led to the biggest change in John Frost's life, but not his determination to help others. THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES The Charter- 10 March 1839 The Chartist Movement by Mark Hovell, M.A (2nd Lieutenant, The Sherwood Foresters, and lecturer in Military History in the University) 1918 Monmouthshire Merlin 21st March 1840 The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth…16th August 1856 http://richardjohnbr.blogspot.com/2007/08/chartist-lives-john-frost.html https://www.peoplescollection.wales/content/john-frost-chartist-leader http://www.chartistancestors.co.uk/john-frost-1784-1877/

Over an unhonoured grave there used to be, and probably still is, the inscription: “Beneath this stone lies the mortal remains of Mary Ann Burdock, who was executed in this gaol, April 15th 1835, in her 38th year, for the wilful murder (by poison) of Clara Ann Smith of this city.” Prepare yourself for the true story of a woman's greed and what she'll do for wealth. Guest Voices. Samantha Vernon Andrea Reid THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCE: Burdock, Mary "Life, Confession and Behaviour of" - Relique of Old Bristol Gaol Bristol Mirror - Saturday 18 April 1835 Bristol Mirror - Saturday 02 May 1835 Ally Sloper's Half Holiday - Saturday 22 January 1887 http://www.capitalpunishmentuk.org Western Daily Press - Wednesday 13 December 1933

57 year old Harry Phillips woke up at 4am and got ready to leave his home in Purton to start such a shift. He groaned at another hard day transporting oil and petrol on his barge, the Severn Pioneer. He said goodbye to his wife, telling her that he would be home by 9pm that evening as it was a shorter trip that day. His mate, George Butler, 35 was already onboard getting everything ready and making the small cabin homely for the day's work. But of the 8 men who formed the crews of the three oil tankers which were swept away up river from the entrance to Sharpness Harbour by the fierce running tide, only two were saved. THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Bristol Evening Post - Monday 06 February 1939 Gloucester Citizen - Monday 06 February 1939 Gloucester Citizen - Wednesday 08 February 1939 https://www.friendsofpurton.org.uk https://www.severntales.co.uk/1939-disaster.html Credit zapsplat.com

PODCAST EXCLUSIVE! Lostwithiel is a historical gem within the county, being a planted town and former capital of the Earls of Cornwall.  In 1814, a soldier named John Sims and some of his fellow soldiers, were attached to the  baggage train of the 28th Regiment. They stopped at a local inn, and “became so intoxicated as to render it impossible for them to proceed”. They then tried to arrange for another cart to take them on their way, but the constable and a magistrate refused  to take the responsibility for this. What happened next would haunt the town forever. THIS PODCAST This episode is an exclusive just to say thanks to all of you who have supported this podcast .  If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Lostwithiel Business Group https://www.lostwithiel.org.uk/characterisation.pdf Cornwall Live https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/day-policeman-shot-dead-drunk-1920942 Bury & Norwich Post. Wednesday 7th September 1814 The Guardian 6th August 1926

She was a domestic servant from Yatton in Somerset who was walking to Gloucester to meet her young man. He had recently joined the Militia and was doing training there and she was planning on moving there and finding work. A tragic story of the end of a young girl's dreams. The part of Lucy Derrick is played by Becky Vicker of St Stephen's Drama Group.  THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Thornbury Museum http://www.thornburymuseum.org.uk Thornbury Roots http://www.thornburyroots.co.uk Bridport News - Friday 16 May 1879 Cornishman - Thursday 10 April 1879 Gloucester Journal - Saturday 03 May 1879

Hannah More was a poet, playwright, educator and anti-slavery campaigner, who was the most influential female philanthropist of her day. Seen by some as an early feminist, and others as an anti-feminist, she remains a controversial figure. THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Dr Jo Edwards: The Hannah More Society The collected letter of Hannah More: http://hannahmoreletters.co.uk 1: Wedding details. Taunton Courier, and Western Advertiser - Wednesday 18 December 1833 2: Funeral details. Royal Cornwall Gazette: Saturday 28 September 1833 3: Park Street School, Mendip Aurguments. Dublin Observer - Saturday 21 September 1833 The Abolition Project: http://abolition.e2bn.org/people_60.html Further Reading The First Victorian by Anne Scott

Born in Glastonbury, in Southwest England 22 July 1915, he joined the Royal Air Force when war was declared in 1939, and was trained as a navigator for the RAF Bomber Command, rising to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He was nicknamed "Digger" for helping to construct numerous tunnels while a Prisoner of War in Germany, during World War II. One of his tunnels was used in the breakout from Stalag Luft III, near Sagan, Germany, that became known as "The Great Escape," made famous by the 1963 movie of the same name. Find out more about what really happened. THIS PODCAST This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Kit and Morgan Benson https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/46483611 (https://www.findagrave.com/user/profile/46483611) Imperial War Museum The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/aug/07/secondworldwar (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/aug/07/secondworldwar) Pembroke College https://www.pem.cam.ac.uk/kit-smarts-blog/roger-bushell-and-great-escape (https://www.pem.cam.ac.uk/kit-smarts-blog/roger-bushell-and-great-escape) Gloucestershire Echo - Friday 23 June 1944

"I could not bear the thought of Gladys going back to her husband, So I killed Her!". On 18th May 1935, a murder was committed amongst the poor of Hencliffe Woods, revealing living conditions that were reminiscent of squatters in the last century. In the 1930’s, there were various families living in the woods. There were two brothers by the name of Franklin whose origins were unknown. Living on the opposite side of the track was the Nott family a husband, wife and one son. And at one period, Mrs Nott moved to the Franklin brothers’ home. And so started a series of events that ended in death. This podcast… This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Western Daily Press - Saturday 25 May 1935 Western Daily Press - Thursday 12 August 1937 (Frank’s suicide) British Executions - http://www.britishexecutions.co.uk/execution-content.php?key=561 Bristol History Webpage 

5pm on 18th March 1902 and it was time to go home. It had been a busy Tuesday at the soap works in Broad Plain, Bristol and all the workmen were happy to go home or go to the local pub beforehand. The premises were left in the safe hands of the night watchman, whose duty it was to periodically make an inspection of the buildings.Also there was the smaller night shift. It was two hours later that he found the fire. This podcast… This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES Ancestry.com Arnos Vale Cemetery Western Daily Press Thursday 20 March 1902 Bristol Times and Mirror Saturday 22 March 1902 

The Boer War had a huge effect on our country and started off a century of conflict. We hear from the Bristol Soldier’s just what life was like on the battlefields of South Africa, in their own words, from letters written to their loved ones in back home in Bristol, England. The South African War was fought between Britain and the self-governing Afrikaner (Boer) colonies of the South African Republic (the Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. (At the outbreak of war, Britain ruled the South African colonies of the Cape and Natal). The war began on October 11 1899, following a Boer ultimatum that the British should cease building up their forces in the region. Special thanks to members of the St Stephen's Drama Group in Soundwell Bristol as well as other presenters from Bradley Stoke Radio for helping to bring the letters to life. You can find out more about them by going to their websites... https://www.bradleystokeradio.com http://www.ststephensdramabristol.co.uk This podcast… This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES & USEFUL WEBSITES http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Gloucestershire/BristolGlosRegtBoerWar.html Western Daily Press

Elizabeth Blackwell was a Bristol born woman who went onto become the first woman doctor through sheer determination. She overcame many who were against idea to be very influential in not only medicine, but the Suffragette movement as well as slavery. This is a fascinating, yet little known history that we should be proud of. Here are some of her most famous quotes... “It is not easy to be a pioneer but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world.” “It is well worth the efforts of a lifetime to have attained knowledge which justifies an attack on the root of all evil ... which asserts that because forms of evil have always existed in society, therefore they must always exist.” “None of us can know what we are capable of until we are tested.” “I DO NOT WISH TO GIVE (WOMEN) A FIRST PLACE, STILL LESS A SECOND ONE- BUT THE COMPLETE FREEDOM TO TAKE THEIR TRUE PLACE, WHATEVER IT MAY BE.” THIS PODCAST… This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. CONTACT ME… Email: info@backtracker.co.uk Facebook: @BackTrackerUK Instagram: @backtrackeruk Twitter: @BackTrackerUK SOURCES National Women's History Museum. www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk. Harvard Blackwell Collection.

Woodes Rogers was an English sea captain and privateer and, later, the first Royal Governor of the Bahamas. He is known as the captain of the vessel that rescued marooned Alexander Selkirk, whose plight is generally believed to have inspired Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. This podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment. If you didnt, well let’s just leave it at that shall we.  I would love to hear from you. You can get in touch with me via Twitter or Facebook using @BackTrackerUK or email me at info@backtracker.co.uk So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other. Sources include... Ancestry.com Macpherson Collection, © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. National Archives. London. Newspaper Archives.

“Old Dinah Riddiford and her son Luke broke open Daniel Reed’s house and stole several articles there, they were taken up with the articles discovered on them, and committed to Gloucester, tried and both found guilty and received sentence of death.  Luke was reprieved but the poor old woman was executed and her body brought to Thornbury.” And so begins the tale of the oldest woman to be hanged in England, but it doesn't end there as you'll find out when you listen to the whole story of the Riddiford family. Crafted by a self confessed history geek for no financial gain, who enjoys those stories from the past that might have been forgotten, The Backtracker History Show is first aired on Bradley Stoke RadioFM in Bristol, England, before being plonked onto the podcast stage for all to enjoy If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to share or leave feedback. It all helps! Keep in touch via either Twitter or Facebook by using @BackTrackerUK You can also check out my shiny new website at www.backtracker.co.uk Sources include... Thornbury Roots Thornbury Museum GenesReunited.