Victorian Justice:
The Murder of
Thomasina Scott

 

Episode Summary

Trigger warning – This episode touches on the topic of child rape and murder, so listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, host Dawn takes listeners back to 1868 in Dumfriesshire, recounting the tragic case of nine-year-old Thomasina Scott’s murder. The narrative begins with the chilling events leading to Thomasina’s disappearance, intertwined with the attempted murder of Jane Crichton by the same assailant, Robert Smith. Dawn details the investigation that ensued, highlighting the swift capture of Robert Smith and the evidence that led to his arrest, including blood-stained clothing and a noosed bootlace.

Listeners are taken through the courtroom drama as Robert Smith faces trial, where he pleads guilty to multiple charges, including rape and murder. Dawn provides a vivid account of the societal and legal context of the time, shedding light on the public’s reaction to Robert Smith’s crimes and his eventual execution, which marked the last public hanging in Scotland.

The episode also explores historical nuances, such as geographical discrepancies in records and the societal norms of the 19th century, offering a rich tapestry of historical insights. Through a blend of storytelling and historical analysis, Dawn paints a poignant picture of a dark chapter in Scotland’s history, inviting listeners to reflect on the relentless pursuit of justice for victims like Thomasina.

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 In Dumfriesshire. | Leicester Mail | Saturday 08 February 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

The Murder Dumfries-Shire.—robert Smith, Alias Co!son, Charged With The Rape, Robbery, and “border Of Little Girl Darned Scott, Aud With | Western Times | Tuesday 11 February 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

The Murder In Dumfriesshire. | Cheshire Observer | Saturday 15 February 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

Dreadful Murder and Attempted. Murder. | Kendal Mercury | Saturday 15 February 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

The Dumfriesshire Murder. | Birmingham Daily Gazette | Thursday 23 April 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

The Murder Near Annan. | Greenock Advertiser | Thursday 23 April 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

The Dumfriesshire Murder | Nottinghamshire Guardian | Friday 24 April 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

Murder and Outrage. | Maidstone Telegraph | Saturday 25 April 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

Monomania – Wikipedia

Moral insanity – Wikipedia

Glasgow Evening Citizen | Tuesday 12 May 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

The Cummer Trees Murder. Rxbcution Op Robert Smith At Dumfries. | Edinburgh Evening Courant | Wednesday 13 May 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

and In —some Horrible Crimes Were Committed In Dumfriesshire On Saturday. Thomasina Scott, A Girl Nine Years Of Age, Was | Bromsgrove & Droitwich Messenger | Saturday 08 February 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

Execution Of Robert Smith Dumfries. | Sheffield Daily Telegraph | Wednesday 13 May 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

Dumfries: The site of Scotland’s last public hanging – BBC News

Mary Timney: the last woman publicly hanged in Scotland – BBC News

Shires of Scotland – Wikipedia

Royal Mail Line. | Greenock Advertiser | Thursday 23 April 1868 | British Newspaper Archive

Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands

Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands, from 1848 to 1861

John Brown (servant) – 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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