A Fatal Friendship: Grace Hamilton's Final Act

The Last Days of
A Fatal Friendship:
Grace Hamilton's Final Act

 

Episode Summary

Trigger warning – This episode covers the topic of suicide. 
In this episode, we go back to Glasgow in 1883 and explore the tragic murder of 22-year-old Grace Hamilton, a rising theatrical star. The episode looks at the relationship between Grace, whose real name was Janet Russell, and Galbraith Macpherson, a well-connected gentleman from Glasgow. As jealousy and mental instability intertwine, the narrative unfolds with Galbraith’s violent outburst leading to a shocking murder-suicide. The episode also touches on similar historical crimes in the area, providing a broader context of the period’s societal issues. With detailed accounts from historical newspapers, a picture is painted of the events of December 1833 and the aftermath, offering a poignant look at a historical crime.

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

Listen on:

Episode Summary

Scotland Then: From Gunpowder Scares to Scotland’s Stormy Past

In this episode listeners are transported back to December 1883, exploring captivating stories from the past. The episode highlights festive preparations with adverts for Christmas sales, a near-disaster at Oban railway station involving gunpowder, and a devastating gale that wreaked havoc across Scotland. Dawn recounts tales of unexpected inheritances, innovative uses of melon seeds, and a series of tragic accidents, including a shooting mishap and fatal incidents involving trains and coal pits. The episode concludes with a light-hearted poem and an invitation to explore historical archives. This engaging journey through history offers a vivid glimpse into the events and lives of 19th-century Scotland.

Please Be Advised – This episode may contain content that some may find distressing. As always, we advise listener discretion. This episode it not suitable for anyone under the age of 13.

Listen on:

Murder Of A Pantomime Artist. | The Era | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

In Glasgow. Suicide Of The Murderer. | Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Terrible Tragedy In Glasgow. Murder Of An Actress. Surcide Of The Murderer. | Dundee Weekly News | Saturday 08 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Shocking Murder and Suicide At | Banffshire Reporter | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder and Suicide. | Alloa Circular | Wednesday 12 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder Of An Actress Hi . Glasgow. Suicide Of The Murderer. | Evening Gazette (Aberdeen) | Saturday 08 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder Of An Acirb9s In Glasgow. Sficide Of Tue Murderer- | Kirkcaldy Times | Wednesday 12 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Charwoman – Wikipedia

The Murder Of An Actress In Glasgow. The Antecedents Of M`Pherson. | Evening Gazette (Aberdeen) | Monday 10 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder and Suicide In Glasgow. | East Kent Times and Mail | Thursday 13 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder or An Actre S.-Suicide Of The Murderer. | Alcester Chronicle | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder Of An Actress. | Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser | Wednesday 12 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Shocking Murder Of An Actress. | Worcestershire Chronicle | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murders. | Manchester Times | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Shocking Tragedy In Glas- Murder Of An Actress, and Suicide Of “i”‘He Miirdrer. | Northern Weekly Gazette | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Terrible Crime In Glasgow. Murder Of An Actress. and Suicide Of Vie 2suederer. | Weekly Scotsman | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder Of An Actress. Suicide Of The Murderer. | North British Daily Mail | Saturday 08 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder Of An Actress. | Nottingham Evening Post | Saturday 08 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

A West,end Tragedy. Landlady Ahoy By Dnb Lodge% | Glasgow Weekly Mail | Saturday 03 March 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

The Glasgow Tragedy. Death Of Miss Jack. | Kirkcaldy Times | Wednesday 21 March 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

The Gilfillan Case. | Dundee Courier | Friday 26 April 1878 | British Newspaper Archive

The Mysterious Murder In Glasgow. | Bradford Daily Telegraph | Tuesday 29 January 1878 | British Newspaper Archive

The Mysterious Murder In Glasgow. | Dundee Evening Telegraph | Monday 28 January 1878 | British Newspaper Archive

The Mysterious Murder T\t Glasgow. | Huddersfield Chronicle | Saturday 02 February 1878 | British Newspaper Archive

Expected Heavy Floods In The Midlands. O | Echo (London) | Monday 28 January 1878 | British Newspaper Archive

Suspicious Affair In Glasgow. | Falkirk Herald | Thursday 31 January 1878 | British Newspaper Archive

The Lost Heir Glencorran; Or, The Emigrants. | Oban Times and Argyllshire Advertiser | Saturday 15 December 1883 | British Newspaper Archive

Millport, Great Cumbrae – Wikipedia

BBC – A History of the World – Object : Grand Theatre and Opera House, Glasgow

Oban railway station – Wikipedia

Tay Bridge disaster – Wikipedia

Scottish Murders is a production of Cluarantonn

Hosted by Dawn

Researched and Written by Dawn Young

Edited and Produced by Erin Ferguson – instagram.com/erinfergus0n/

Production Company Name by Granny Robertson

 

Intro and Outro Music:

ES_Battle of Aonach Mor – Deskant epidemicsound

 

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