BROADCASTS.com

The Most Extraordinary Trial of William Palmer

by ANONYMOUS ( - )

Introduction

John Parsons Cook was a 28 year old bachelor, from a good family but not in robust health. He studied to become a lawyer, but instead of following that career, turned to raising race horses. In November 1855, during a visit to the Shrewsbury races, he was taken violently ill. He was attended by the 80 year old local doctor Dr. Bamford, and Cook's friend and sometimes partner, Dr. Palmer. William Palmer was a physician and surgeon, a widower and father. His appearance instilled confidence and invited trust. But were appearances deceptive? Was he, in fact, a cool, calculating and vicious serial murderer, who used his knowledge and skill for evil ends, to escape the effects of an addiction that was destroying his life? There are numerous references to this case in fiction, by Dickens, Sayers, Hitchcock and others; and the familiar salutation "What's your poison?" is believed to date from the events of this case. This is true courtroom drama, more gripping than fiction and it will have you guessing until the end.( Lynne Thompson)

---

Listen next episodes of The Most Extraordinary Trial of William Palmer:
Central Criminal Court, May, 14, 1856 Part 2 , Central Criminal Court, May, 14, 1856 Part 3 , Central Criminal Court, May, 14, 1856 Part 1 , Eighth Day, May 22 , Eighth Day, May 22 Part 2 , Eleventh Day, May 26 , Fifth Day, May 19 , Fifth Day, May 19 Part 2 , Fourth Day, May 17 , Fourth Day, May 17 Part 2 , Ninth Day, May 23 , Second Day, May 15 , Seventh Day, May 21 , Sixth Day, May 20 , Tenth Day, May 24 , Tenth Day, May 24 Part 2 , Tenth Day, May 24th Part 3 , The Defence (Seventh Day Continued) , The Defence (Seventh Day Continued) Part 2 , The Defence (Seventh Day Continued) Part 3 , Third Day, May 16 , Third Day, May 16 Part 2 , Twelfth Day, May 27