The Crime Reel Video Link - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eptoi9mKnq3adIE.html

I love hearing how they didn’t have a police force but yet they still started to take some steps to preserve that evidence. I mean forensics just never fails even when they had no technology!

Just because she didn't fight back doesn't mean she "wanted" it she could've froze.

You've presented a fascinating slice of Jane Austen's England in real life BC. It's an interesting glimpse into the life of our recent ancestors, and gives so much food for thought. I've been pondering your account of Mary's life and death for three weeks now, and the linked Crime Reel case has stayed with me too. Mary is such a real girl. We've all been out to a social event after work, have danced all night and felt like a space cadet the next day. We've all been excited to meet an eligible gentleman, and felt butterflies from the chemistry of the first meeting, and not been able to eat from those butterflies. Mary was a virgin, and menstruating, a country girl who observed social etiquette and the rules for avoiding social ruin when her movements on her last day are considered. I don't understand why she stayed out in the dark talking with Mr Thornton until 0400 hours unless he was extremely charming and manipulative. Mary wouldn't have been looking for sex, but marriage. She wouldn't have wanted her first time to be a meaningless one night stand with a man she'd just met. She wouldn't have degraded herself at that time of the month with a stranger. It wasn't a topic discussed in polite society, or amongst women generally either. She didn't have anything with her to 'freshen up' either, as she'd expected to stay with her grandpa that night. Mary wouldn't have degraded herself in the eyes of her grandfather, her employer and work mates, the people who lived in the surrounding area, and she certainly wouldn't have ruined her reputation or chances of getting a husband by having a meaningless encounter with a man she'd just met. I think that Mary's brother's reaction to her murder are telling, in his protectiveness of her. She wasn't like a girl living in a slum in London, where working class morality was more flexible in terms of how a woman's behaviour was viewed or judged, according to Hallie Rubinhold's work on 'The Five'. She wasn't alone or unloved, she was part of a community that had a moral code. Mary had work, and an income, so she didn't need to throw herself at a man in desperation to be provided for, as some poor women did in times past. It seems likely that Thornton killed her when she resisted him, and he easily physically overpowered her. The trial details were interesting too BC. Thank you.

Women could be victims of atrocities, but not were not "allowed" to hear about them? That's special.

It pains me when there is no justice for the victim. Mary had her whole life ahead of her & it was stolen, brutally, and that POS went on to have a family. I hope he's received savage karma in the afterlife. Tragic story. Thanks B.C 😢

Poor Mary, she was so young. I believe they got the right person for her murder.

There were a lot of people about in the wee small hours of the morning back then, before public transport. And the norm being that you would have to walk everywhere, unless you were fortunate enough to have a horse ( and carriage). My mother used to tell me about walking to and from dances with friends along country roads in the 1940s in Jamaica, without street lights, and that it was sometimes scary. So happy I have a car! Wonderful story telling as as always! Thank you BC!❤️

Holy cow! That's right up the road and I'd never heard of it before! Well I have to give kudos to the gentlemen who laid down the boards to preserve the footprints, rain or no. That's the kind of forensic thinking that often got lost once we had an actual police force. I suspect he was guilty at least of the sexual assault. A young girl in her position would be unlikely to voluntarily have premarital sex. It is possible with lack of food and all night dancing that she did faint. Passing out face first in a ditch of even shallow water would be enough for her to drown, and would explain the lack of evidence of her fighting back. There is also of course his sheer ability to over power, and the fact that medical knowledge was far from perfect at the time. If, and I don't blame him in the least, her brother felt that he would lose in a fight and so refused to pick up the 'gauntlet ', how Mary would have managed is beyond me. As for timing, we weren't even running on a one time fits all system! His defence lawyer was a VERY intelligent gentleman, I must say. Countering one archaic law, long unused, by using another even more spectacular one! Bravo, but I still think your client did it sir. BRILLIANT work Brief Case! Thank you for telling me a piece of history of my own home I didn't know before.

Thank you for covering Mary's case - I came across it as a schoolgirl in a local history project, and lived just up the road from the area it happened at the time - it has always stuck with me

If you can beat the hell out of your accuser, then you're not guilty！ SAYS THE LAW！🤣

I love the way this man talks, it makes it more interesting

The cases are always so interesting. But, more than anything I appreciate the details that give a perfect snapshot of History. I really enjoy the Regency period and felt almost a part of it. Thank you Brief Case for all your hard work to bring these cases to us.

I love how women were not admitted to a trial, that had to do with an important women's issue.

Another emotional rollercoaster! So angry he got off, then excited for the retrial, then just flabbergasted at the trial by battle decision. Such a great case, thank you!

This case really took some unexpected turns. It also shows that defense lawyers even back in the day would resort to any loophole available to them, though I'd always thought that the idea of double jeopardy had long been an element of English law, but I guess you always have to be wary of old antiqued laws that have been forgotten yet still in effect, but having two such rare circumstances used in the same case, really does warrant the use of the adjective "bizarre" in this instance.

Best remark from a judge "he doesn't look like a man that would run anywhere"

This was a wild ride of a case. Why wasn’t anyone else considered? The labourer who passed the couple? The man who found her? Then to actually challenge a victim’s family member to a dual for a verdict? That had me doing a double take for sure. This entire case is bizarre and so sad. Cheers for this one, whew! The photos were phenomenal, thank you for those as well.

If the internet and true crime channels existed in the 19th and 20th centuries, *Brief Case* would have been insanely popular! =)

This was really interesting. If anyone is interested in reading more details, there is a book called " The Murder if Mary Ashford: The Crime that Changed English Legal History " by Naomi Clifford. I bought it a couple weeks ago. But, I haven't read it yet. After listening to this, I think I'll bump it up near the top of my TBR list. Thank you for another fascinating video. 🌹

Such a tragedy. No one was punished for the murder. Mary Ashford family had no closure. Thanks BC for the video.

man I just love 18 and 19 century stuff. the forensics was so Sherlock Holmes, and so ''NOT-CSI high tech stuff '' ! And you do an amazing job of filling in every needed detail , great story-making .

Good evening BC, had a fairly quiet day today. You always cheer me up at 7pm here in Malaysia!

Great story BC. You continue to broaden my historical knowledge. "Throwing down the gauntlet" put into perspective was brilliant. You're also a good man for plugging CR. Another excellent channel. Thanks for posting.

Riveting. So many twists and turns. And so tragic. No justice for poor Mary. Thank you BC. Looking forward to Crime Reel’s story.

This is why the US Constitution has the double Jeopardy law. I like the quote from the judge " it is better for a murderer to go free than an innocent person convicted for naught" (paraphrase). Great episode. Thanks for your work.

I'm impressed that they tried to preserve the footprints

Thank you for the upload!

That was horrible! The fact that he got off! Mary Ashford deserved better!!!

I’m a direct descendant of Susannah Martin, my grandmother used to whisper to me I thought were just “Granny Stories”. Nope my DNA shows my heritage and a year too late to tell Granny she was right as she had died. After my Granny’s death my sister and I were processing here Estate. I found the small dictionary Granny always had near? Inside the dictionary was a yellowed note card with this written in Granny’s hand “Women are angels And when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly- On a broomstick. We are adaptive like that

I appreciate the history you mingle with your historical stories. It enriches the understanding and significance of the story. I am also interested in older stories. The investigations and technology available is much different than today. No way would crowds be allowed to walk over the footprints. The body wouldn't be moved. Forensics and trace evidence.

I read an account of this, before the trial, in a women's magazine of the period. I had no idea the alleged murderer was acquitted or the strange twists it would take. I did, however, wonder how they could publish an engraving of the victim, since her body was presumably not entirely (ahem) lifelike by the time anyone would have sketched it.

Good morning, BC 😊 This was a really bizarre case. Pretty sure it was the accused. That poor young girl... What a terrible way to die 😢😢💔

Thank you for not trying to be all witty and just delivering the story it's a beautiful thing

Thanks for making and sharing this video. I can’t even imagine what it was like for women back then, no rights, no police, absolutely terrifying. Things are not great these days, but...yeah, I can only imagine how dangerous a world it must have been. Mr freaking Thornton had blood on his under clothes, had the same size footprints, but heaven forbid that a gentleman be punished for something he hadn’t done. FFS 🤦🏽 Mr Thornton spent the night talking to Mary and then he wanted his “way with her”. He sounds like an absolute bully, regardless

Another fully researched and brilliantly narrated case. Especially the trial by combat. Such a pity that the killer of Mary was never caught and justice administered. This case was close to my birthplace. Thanks BC.

Dropped in the comments to say, how nice job you do on your videos. Excellent presentation, narration and respect. Thank you for keep those stories remembered. Wish safe week Brief Case

Good morning from Alberta! Interesting case, it is intriguing how they had the foresight to have the footprints covered to preserve them.

Oh this was a good one!

Fello Brit here BC🇬🇧 Despite how old these cases are- somehow you always make me invested in them, as though it were happening today & that good sir, takes talent 👏 Ty again for your always brilliant content🙂

He probably was guilty. The people who had seen him could of easily been mistaken about the time. But I do agree that it is better for a guilty man to go free than an innocent man go to prison. Thanks for another fascinating case B.C . Greetings from Eastern Canada.

I was hanging on the edge listening ! Your narration is so compelling! Another brilliant mystery, i think the culprit could have been anyone,so sad that she lost her life in such a disorganized time period. I feel Thomas did get away with the murder, she wouldn’t have consented to his advances, for one thing she was in a hurry wanting to not be late to her job. He took advantage of the backwards system and he had a competent lawyer. Love to you, and all my BC family!

It’s believed locally in erdington and Sutton Coldfield that Mary ashfords ghost regularly haunts the area. Her tombstone at trinity church Sutton Coldfield was removed when the cemetery was cleared year ago, and it is unknown where the stone or her grave may be.

Ooh, I just went and listened to the link to Crime Reel's case. Omy gosh I had to return to state that you must give it a listen!

So sad that there was no way to have justice for her murder ,especially for (what appears to be) her extended family in the area.Consensual or not,she did not deserve bee what happened to her,and sad that she was even victim shamed in that arena.If only our modern forensic abilities has been available then,I believe the evidence on his clothing and person would have caused a probable conviction .Thank you for making my day,BC,! Just getting over a rough bout with Covid-,and finally getting back to normal! Great additional click-up with a Crimey presentation! Going to check it out now,! Love you both so much! Have a positive week everyone? It's been 107° every day here in W Tx..Hot enough to sweats the plates off our armadillo's!

You have the perfect tone of voice for this well done background music just right perfect ten out of ten Sir

Love getting a notification for your channel on my day off!! Coffee and murder, my favorite breakfast!

I am so pleased to have stories from.both of my favorite true crime narrators in the same day again. I had to catch Crimey's narration before I could comment. These two stories are so creepy. Remarkably similar and similarly unlikely to ever be solved. Both sad and chilling, that the ladies shared a birthday and were murdered in the.same.manner in nearly the same location. I cannot imagine the pain both families suffered. Thank you BC for bringing us this story.

I am so amazed that BC are able to find all these vintage cases. I actually find them more interesting than newer cases. Great video again BC 👏👏😃😃

Mary Ashford was treated so brutally! It's quite sad how women have been treated since the beginning of time.

I click on, "Like," before I even start your videos. You are very good at your job.🙂

BC, you do such an amazing job of choosing story’s and the visuals are spot on…as well as Crimey’s! There is always a continuity to both your stories that are rare these days…very much enjoyable and much appreciated! 💼 🔍

Nice "collaboration" with The Crime Reel. It's great to have a new video from you both on the same day with eerily similar cases. You two should do this again!

Thank you so much Brief Case, I’m gonna watch the other case on Crime Reel now. You guys are my favorite.❤️

I saw the Crime Reel video. If there is a paranormal connection between the two cases, It's sad to think that Mary got a second chance at life only for it to end the same way 157 years later.

I agree w/ you *BC* the *Crime Reel* is a brilliant channel & I will re~watch the vid link you posted👍👍👍👍👍

What a feast to have both you and Crimey upload on the same day! Thank you!

What a fascinating case! I was very surprised at the moment I expected your usual dropped pitch, "Guilty!" And instead heard "Not Guilty." I'm often upset with the outcomes of many of these historical cases because it seems juries more often convicted on flimsy evidence and public sentiment. This jury seems to have carefully weighed the evidence and decided they could not convict him. I tend to believe he was guilty, but it was the prosecutor's job to convince beyond a reasonable doubt, and he failed. What craziness ensued, with the brother successfully having him brought back up for murder, and the defendant challenging him to a duel to defend his innocence! So crazy! Thanks for another great story!

This is so eerie. These poor women.

Binging on a few of your videos this morning. 🌄 Brief Case, thank you for another spectacular true crime episode from the past.

Sweet! Brief Case and Crimey posted on the same day! Happy Monday indeed!

Yet another interesting, mysterious, and well done video! 👏🏼 I especially enjoyed hearing about an older case that I haven't heard of on any other channel's.

Incredible research. Great insight into the times as always, which is very helpful. Thanks BC always a good watch 👍

Really enjoyed how you and TCR aligned these cases. Thanks, BC!

Awesome. Work! I have alot of catching up to do.

Monday evening and BC is here to watch... Another brilliant episode love these old stories how men get away with murder is unbelievable but sign of the times . Keep these episodes coming PLEASE x

Hi B.C and C.R, you guys are my first real crime channels that I watched and got through some difficult times, wonderful research and narration. I look forward to seeing you every week.❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌈

Thanks for these amazing cases Brief Case I really enjoy watching your case keep them coming

Briefcase is so fascinating and enjoyable. It takes you back in time with these old historical cases.

What a finely planned and executed collaboration of eerily similar cases. Thanks to both channels for all of your hard work!

So fascinating! Thanks for all the hard work you do.

Wow, I knew all the place names, and yet never heard of this case. Thanks Brief case love your work, when I first found you I binge watched every episode, couldn’t help myself lol. Just off to Crime reel now, love him too.

Happy Monday BC and Family!🦋🌈🦄😻🤗🥰🥐🍫☕🥞🍓🌰🍞🥓🍳

What a morning delight to see this post, it is going to be a wonderful week. Thank you! ✌

Thank you much needed video to get my morning going!

Another great historical story, you really paint a good picture of people's lives at the times they lived. In this case the right result was achieved

My man! I was waiting for you!

Really nice the way you go back in history and explain the crimes

Truelly deserve more subscribers

Thank you Brief Case, I never miss Crime Reel so I'll check it out 🥰 God bless and have a great week 🥰

Just what I needed to get my Monday started the right way! Another great video, another great case! 😊

what on Earth “trial by battle” & a society without a formal police force?? not even in any of my past-lives 😳🥴 RIP Mary 🤍🤍 Thank you BC 🙏🏼🙏🏼💼 love both you & Crime Reel

Your story telling from these time periods is very detailed and well put together. I enjoy thoroughly. Thank you BC.

Love your work. Thanks

Poor young lady she only wanted to have fun 😢, I feel so enraged he fleed

I really enjoyed the pictures and drawings from this time in history. Very unique and interesting case! Great work as usual!! 💕💕💕

Really love this one but hate the verdicts! As always a fabulous job. She looked like a frail angelic girl. So sad!

Brilliant, thank you so much for this. Fascinating.

Love these cases that historically explain laws we no abide by. Thank you. It is so eye opening that humans simply cannot see the future for their own benefit. This story may seem logical to us, (ie, battle to sort out differences is not the only way), however, our predecessor's had to work it out. And yet, (!), some haven't worked it out!

Marvelous again. Love the clear details, especially about the unusual form of retrial.

Utterly fascinating! You always leave your listeners spellbound to the end! I'm a Subscriber to the Crime Reel...so I'll take a look at the similar Case. You BOTH are awesome Narrators and I can listen to you all day. Sad, that justice was not given to the young lady. But, she knew better than to be out alone that time of evening...it could've ruined her reputation, which people took very seriously back then. I look forward to the next Case. I love these Old historical ones, takes one back to a time, that obviously was not so "innocent" as often portrayed.

Really look forward to my weekly crime fix, especially enjoy the period crimes & see how the law has changed with the passage of time, but still has archaic statutes on the law books still applicable today keep up the good work BC it's much appreciated

Very well done. I'm amazed by the detail and information you are able to dig up from these cases that are hundreds of years old. Great work, always a👍from me. Cheers from 🇨🇦

Thank u to the crime reel for referring this case to me! Very similar to the other case so much so it gave me chills!! Thank u for another informative video!!

Absolutely amazing, my favorites BC, and CR, same day extra awesome. Thank you for sharing with us, keep up your excellent work. Till next time. 🍁🐘🤗🇨🇦

Thanks for recommending The Crime Reel. His video was also quite interesting and well presented. I subscribed to his channel as well

Thanks once again. !!!!🎉Happy Monday everyone. 🤗

Utterly fascinating. Please find and do more like these.

Awesome as always thank you 💖

well done as always my friend! For some reason your videos stopped coming up in my daily feeds... silly me had thought perhaps you took a break. So glad to see you in my feed again, and I see many more videos that I apparently missed. Yay a BC binge!! ( right after I go check out Reelies vid!) I love the way you gentlemen work together. Your narrations have become so much more professional, your pronunciation and diction, yet you still have that comfortable way of speaking that seems so familiar. Always just loved your work!