40. By Hook Or By Crook
Lucy Worsley, Baroness Ayesha Hazarika and historian Rosalind Crone share their thoughts about an uncommon thief, a beauty scammer and an art hoaxer, and ask, does crime pay?
Lucy Worsle digs into the lives of bold women who choose - by hook or by crook - to escape a life of poverty, misfortune and hardship.
This episode highlights the fascinating tales of four invincible women. Sophie Lyons, a bank robber who, by the power of the American Dream, turns into a philanthropist. Madam Rachel, a beautician who combines fraudulent treatments with a deep understanding of women's insecurities to dupe an elite clientele. Ann Mary Provis, a bright artist who deceives the Royal Academicians, no less. And Fanny Davies, a cunning thief who uses her wit and charm to rob unsuspecting victims.
Lucy is joined by in-house historian, Professor Rosalind Crone, and guest detective Baroness Ayesha Hazarika MBE, to discuss the motivations behind these women's choices and explore the broader implications of their swindles.
We see them as mothers, as businesswomen, and simply as humans with faults, desires and dreams and we ask, does crime pay?
Producer: Riham Moussa
Readers: Clare Corbett and Jonathan Keeble
Sound Design: Chris Maclean
Executive producer: Kirsty Hunter
A StoryHunter production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
If you're in the UK, listen to the newest episodes of Lady Killers first on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Sounds: https://bbc.in/3M2pT0K
Lucy Worsley's Crime Collection
Hand-picked programmes on the themes of 19th-century murder and mores.
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A behind the scenes look at the making of the series.
Podcast
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Lady Killers with Lucy Worsley
Lucy Worsley investigates the crimes of Victorian women from a contemporary perspective.
