The Poisoner: The Life and Times of Victorian England’s Most Notorious Doctor - An Illustrated Talk by Stephen Bates

In 1856 a baying crowd of over 30,000 people gathered to watch the execution of a village doctor from Staffordshire.  Known as the ‘Prince of Poisoners’ and described by Charles Dickens as “The greatest villain who ever stood trial at the Old Bailey”, Dr William Palmer was convicted of murdering his best friend, but suspected of poisoning more than a dozen others including his family. 

With original research including previously undiscovered letters, confidential legal documents and new forensic evidence, Stephen Bates presents an astonishing and controversial look at Palmer’s life and disputed crimes and explores the very psyche of a killer.   The Poisoner is more than a true crime story and biography – it is a great Gothic Victorian melodrama.

Stephen Bates is a journalist and author who has worked for the BBC, the Daily Mail and The Guardian.  His books include God’s Own Country: Religion and Politics in the USA.

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