The Murder of Sergeant Robert Kidd
from Hidden History Hosted by Hidden History
In this episode, you’ll hear the story of a shocking 1895 murder that exposed the harsh realities behind Victorian England’s industrial progress. Detective Sergeant Robert Kidd was killed during a violent confrontation at railway sidings in Wigan, after what began as a minor theft spiraled out of control. Set against a backdrop of poverty, dangerous labor conditions, and rising tension among coal miners, the case quickly led to three suspects. Under pressure and fearing for his family’s survival, one of them chose to turn informant, delivering testimony that sealed the fate of his companions. The aftermath revealed a divided sense of justice—one man was executed, while another was spared following public outcry. Ultimately, the story reflects a darker side of the railway era, where economic desperation and rapid industrial growth collided with tragic consequences. You can listen and download our episodes for free on more than 10 different platforms: https://linktr.ee/Hidden_History Get the books of the Hidden History podcast: 📚 The book series: 166 true stories, 15 books, hundreds of original painted illustrations: https://hiddenhistory10.gumroad.com/
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