Monday 24 February at 7:00pm – this talk will be recorded and will be available for 28 days
Discover the chilling true story of Mary Ann Cotton, Britain’s first serial killer, in an electrifying narrative that will leave you breathless.
Two decades before Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror, Mary Ann Cotton had already become a killing machine. But strangely, crime historians – those familiar with the names of Shipman, Nilson, Sutcliffe and West – know little or nothing of her.
Black Widow Mary Ann weaves a web of intrigue and deceit, captivating everyone, including the authorities, with her cunning charm and deadly intentions. From the heart of Victorian England, follow her sinister journey through a string of mysterious deaths and arsenic-laced tea.
Unearth the secrets behind her facade, as this mother and wife reveals her darkest desires. Perfect for true crime aficionados and history buffs alike, delve into a tale where each turn unveils a new, bone-chilling revelation.
Don’t miss out on this gripping exploration of one of history’s most notorious figures – Mary Ann Cotton.
Prepare to be enthralled, horrified, and utterly captivated by her story.
Some information about the speaker
Born in Norfolk in 1950, my working history has been 29 years as a police officer and 10 years as a prison officer, with a 5-year spell as a manager for Autoglass in between. Having retired from the Prison Service in the summer of 2010, I worked in education for 3 years as an Inclusion Manager, dealing with the school’s behavioural issues, before retiring for good in November 2013. I now have absolutely no idea how I ever found time to go to work!
Around 2001 I took up the sport of archery, shooting the longbow, and this, coupled with my passion for history led me to becoming a re-enactor for 5 years. Then, 4 years into my stint as a re-enactor, I was asked to give a talk about medieval life. I did it, and I found that not only did the audience enjoy it, but so did I. From that small beginning my current list of talks has, like Topsy, grown and grown.
I take people on Heritage Walks and Ghost Walks around Thetford for the Tourist Information Office. I am the Town Crier for Watton and for Norwich Pride. You can see what I get up to on the website – www.towncriermike.co.uk, and I have recently retired after 10 years as a wedding Toastmaster.