54. Martha Brown - Domestic Violence

About this episode

Lucy Worsley explores the life of Martha Brown, a victim of domestic violence accused of murdering her husband in 1856, and discusses the implications for women's justice then and now.

Lucy Worsley is back with a new series of Lady Killers, where true crime meets history - with a twist. This time Lucy heads to Dorset to explore the life of Martha Brown, a victim of domestic violence, accused of murdering her husband John in 1856. Martha’s story goes on to inspire Thomas Hardy’s novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Martha initially claims John was kicked to death by his horse, but eventually confesses to his murder, revealing the long history of abuse she suffered at his hands. Will Martha’s confession win her a reprieve and save her from the gallows? With Lucy to find out more is the solicitor Harriet Wistrich, the founder of the Centre for Women’s Justice and the co-founder of the campaigning organisation Justice for Women. Harriet works on behalf of women who have murdered their partners after years of abuse. She is best known for leading Sally Challen’s successful 2019 appeal when her conviction for murdering her abusive husband was overturned. Lucy is also joined by historian Professor Rosalind Crone and together they visit Dorchester to see the courtroom where Martha Brown was tried for murder and the site of the former prison where she is held before her…

People in this episode

Host: Lucy Worsley

Guests: Harriet Wistrich, Professor Rosalind Crone

Topics covered

• domestic violence
• historical crime
• women's justice
• Victorian England
• abuse
• legal history

Keywords

• Martha Brown
• domestic abuse
• murder trial
• Victorian women
• legal changes
• Harriet Wistrich
• Tess of the d’Urbervilles
• historical context
• women's rights
• true crime

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Centre for Women’s Justice, Justice for Women

Books & works: Tess of the d’Urbervilles

Places: Dorset, Dorchester

More episodes of Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley

• Introducing Lady on Trial · June 9, 2026 · 5 min
• 60. True Crime on Trial · February 24, 2026 · 28 min
• 59. Kitty Newton - Killer Daughter · February 17, 2026 · 28 min
• 58. Mary Pearcey - Murderous Lover · February 10, 2026 · 29 min
• 57. Jessie McLachlan - Silenced Servant · February 3, 2026 · 29 min
• 56. Elvira Barney - Accidental Killer · January 27, 2026 · 28 min