Episode 108: The Red Barn Murder: A Tale of Love, Lies and Death

The Red Barn Murder is a haunting chapter in history that has sparked fascination for over a century and a half. In this episode, we dive deep into the tragic story of Maria Marten, a young woman whose life was violently cut short by her lover, William Corder, in a remote barn in rural Suffolk in 1827. Corder’s crime would not only change the course of Maria’s life but would also become one of the most sensationalized and enduring murder cases in British history.

Corder’s execution, dissection, and the bizarre aftermath of the crime are explored in full. We discuss the immense public interest in the trial, the overwhelming media coverage that painted him as a cold-blooded killer, and the surreal nature of his posthumous display. Thousands lined up to witness the dissection of Corder’s body, which was publicly exhibited for educational purposes. Even after his death, the murder case didn't fade into history—quite the opposite. It quickly became a fixture in Victorian popular culture. Books, plays, and even fairground attractions centered around the crime were in high demand, perpetuating the myth of Corder as the quintessential villain and Maria as the tragic, innocent victim.

The Red Barn itself, which was central to the crime, became a symbol of the sordidness of the murder. In 1842, it was set ablaze under mysterious circumstances, with rumors swirling that it was Maria’s restless spirit or the cursed nature of the place that caused the fire. Although it had already been stripped bare by souvenir hunters, the barn’s destruction only added to its mystique.

As we explore how the case continued to resonate long after the murder and execution, we discuss the role of sensationalism in shaping the public’s perception of both Corder and Maria. We also delve into the eerie legacy of the crime, from the bizarre use of Corder’s skin to bind an account of the murder to the eventual display of his skeleton alongside other infamous criminals in London.

The case of the Red Barn Murder remains an unsettling and enduring part of British history. Its influence is still felt today, with new adaptations and explorations of the case continuing to emerge. From the chilling details of the crime to the strange and fascinating aftermath, the Red Barn Murder is a testament to how some stories never truly fade away.