Greetings fans and BC. Wow. Way back in time. Thank you.

Man, mention is deserved for the research staff, finding vintage engravings, images/paintings of the characters and their ancestors, locations etc for illustration, that's top-notch documentary making. You folks really do a bang-up job on your vids, you all give yourselves a pat on the backs for me! 👍

I was fearing for a second that 'because of his ranking' or the insanity claim, he would get away with murder. But thankfully, there was some justice for Mr. Johnson.

Fascinating case. His wife sounded like an amazing and tragic figure. I hope she found happiness.

In an odd way, the very quality of his self-administered defense, including just how well he pursued his insanity claim, may have been all the proof anyone needed that he WAS sane and responsible.

Poor mr Johnson that earl sounds like an absolute horror

The testimony of Elizabeth Williams, the publican's wife, about the Earl ordering coffee and drinking it straight from the spout of the pot: Some coffee company could latch onto that for an advertising meme and probably make a fortune. "Blackstocking Coffee: So Good You Won't Even Be Able To Wait For A Cup!"

A murder case in my home county that I had never heard of! This was fascinating; poor Mr Johnson, I was expecting the earl to get away with it due to his rank, but surprised that justice was served. Thanks for another interesting one BC.

The only good thing about Monday morning is the brief case uploading! ❤️ I absolutely love learning about lives of those long past!

There is still an Earl Ferrers (the 14th). The present Earl's father was a distinguished and long-serving minister in successive Conservative governments, for a considerable number of years

These cases from the 18th and 19th centuries are so interesting-an intriguing insight into worlds and cultures long gone. As for Laurence Shirley, he wasn't mad; just a spoiled, entitled bastard. His behavior is very familiar to anyone who has ever worked for one of those small business with no HR department, where the owner has free reign to be tyrannical, bellicose, demanding and petulant. Even today, such entrepreneurs are only "nice" when the world beats them down hard and gives them no alternative.

fun fact: Laurance's descendant Robert Shirley the 13th Earl was one of the few people to be a goverment minister working for five Prime Ministers and was the Deputy Leader of the Lords under Thatcher.

I look forward to these videos and appreciate the work the entire team puts into making this process

Justice was served in a royal manner. He could have gotten away with it with his connections. Well illustrated. Thanks for another great episode.

What is most important to remember is that only in Great Britain would an aristocrat suffer death for the killing of a Commoner. Such a thing was unheard of in Europe in that period. Incidentally , Ferrers married into a branch of the Cholmondeley family but it is pronounced 'Chumley'.

He may have been crazy, but he knew exactly what he was doing

With his family history, it sounds likely that his insanity was inherited, but a small part of me is still wondering if his womanising could have given him syphilis, which as I understand it can sometimes cause manic delusions. Either way, it sounds as if he hadn't shot Mr Johnson, he would've sooner or later done something else crazy.

"Stop calling me, Shirley!"

very interesting case. thank you. btw, the name "Cholmondeley" is generally pronounced "Chumley". i know, its weird!

Quite a malignant narcissist. Even acted as his own attorney.

Not accountable if insane? I don’t agree. Sane or insane lock him up

I don’t think I’ve ever been so early as I stand here in my kitchen making my husband his lunch 😅

Hey BC thanks for another video to get lost in for a while, fantastic narrator 💜

This was a nice time travel. As always in true BC fashion narrated and researched impeccably. Look forward to a few more time travel cases. Thanks BC.

I’m glad he was found guilty and paid for the crime

It was lovely that you covered this period of time....thank you you. One might have money and social status, but culture and decency can still be missing. This makes for a very distasteful human being!!!

It's so good to be subbed to a channel you know will never disappoint! Thank you BC for another good one.

1. I hate, society's creepy obsession with royalty. 2. Another brilliant in depth, Brief Case.

Another interesting and sensational case BC. I am glad to see that justice was served in this case, even though this man was an Earl and nobleman and had an insanity claim. Looking forward to the next case my friend!

Just a shout out for the incredible artwork from that time, all the minute details of the buildings and walkways to the packed rooms of onlookers to the portraits.

It's amazing to me how much info you fit in 16 minutes. I appreciate you. You kill a man you die as well. Simple. He really killed that man for no reason. They should have felt bad for his four daughters. They're the ones who really suffered. Everybody stay safe. ✌️ BC good one 👍.

Thanks for that wonderful history lesson. Luckily for England at the time there was only a hundred and sixty or so of these families. The poor were really poor in those times!

I came across this site by accident and I have been binge watching. I love all the old victorian era crimes. I like the modern one's too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this week's video, BC, you really do put so much hard work and research into all your videos. I learned things I didn't know, regarding the aristocracy and the law. Thank you BC!!!

That was another really interesting story. Loved it.

Scrolling bored then Brief Case shows up. Quality channel!!!!!!!!

That is of great interest to me as I now live in an area in the British Midlands.There is a little castle there which dates back to the Middle Ages but which was once the property of the Ferrers family.And if I recall correctly,one of the family bankrupted himself,improving & modernising it.Its a lovely little castle which has stood defiantly thru the reign of King John & that so n so Oliver Cromwell,even though both wanted it demolished.It & the (17 Moat House are both jewels in the town.Unfortunatly,more modern persons in authority have torn down many of the beautiful old buildings & put up some utter monstrosities.In fact,one person actually declared in print that he would pull down every old building in what was a charming little market town,had he got his way.Well,he certainly did a lot of damage,curse him.We had an archaeological dig some years ago.The older,local people still hate his guts & said he & his wretched council were responsible for tearing the heart of the town & making it an overspill of a nearby city.Its a darned shame.I have seen the old photos,it was a little pearl.And unfortunately councils don't seem so learn their lessons.Its just unbelievable!

Good Mr. Johnson had justice. And also the thought of his daughters and their mother, and the ex wife being taken care of, after this man treated them so badly; is a good ending, i hope it was true.

His wife should have gotten something for putting up with his spoiled ass…

Very sad that he shot that sweet man. Glad that the judge didn't believe is insanity garbage. He got what he deserved. Thank you Briefcase fir another great program

Good morning Brief Case.

These are my bath time stories to drown out the traffic and sirens in Vegas. Helps to feel in my zone, and slightly posh and fancy if I may lol 🤗 MUCH appreciated ✌️

I only discovered your channel a few days ago and I am already well and truly hooked. I love a good documentary, well researched, detailed, with intelligent narration. Yours fit the bill every time. Great work and thank you, from a new subscriber.

Another fascinating case! I wonder who succeeded him as Earl #5?

I love the older ones! Though we may lose some accuracy to the mists of memory, we get to venture back to less familiar times. I love the slices of life we see captured through the window of a terrible crime. Not sure if I should I point out what I perceive as pronunciation errors, but since they might be handy for the future: *Gibbet *St. Pancras

BC !!!! One of your best researched if not your best video. It might be that other KZfaqrs have tried to copy your playbook so that they too can have the kind of loyal following that you have. Seems to me in this video, you have chosen to go beyond the, now common grabbing of attention by use of, the macabre. This is a great nuanced story of life among those of high and lower social status in the 1700's. You are a great storyteller with a robust curiosity. WELL DONE !!!

It may be Monday, it may be raining and miserable out, and i may even be sick and feel gross, *but* BriefCase has dropped a new video right on time so everything is just fine! Good morning friends, family, BC, and Brief Cat!🐱🌈🦄🥰🤗😻🥐🍫☕🥞🥓🍳🍌

Good morning Briefcase 💼 and Monday crew. We had a fire alarm 🚨⏰ go off at work and was outside in the cold weather 🌡️ for a bit. All is well.

Fascinating case. Pleas insanity yet puts forth a sound defense. That itself proves he was not 'insane'. Thanks for bringing us this story, Mr. Case.

I love BC because it reminds me that the world has always been a completely and totally f***** up place. Not just now. And the content quality and delivery is second to none. Keep it up BC!

I now love Mondays, BC! The very best wishes to you. 🇨🇦

As always, great job!

Thank you for another great work. Awesome narration on this sad story. Your researchs are incredible! Wish good week

I absolutely love your channel! I always look for the longest episode!

These stories make me excited for Monday mornings. Thanks for all the hard work!

I always know my Monday will start off with a horribly gruesome tale of betrayal and murder…and I thank you! ❤😂

If I had a time machine I would LOVE to see Queen Elizabeth 1. I used to say I'd go to medieval times but after a video I watched yesterday about divorce by combat, I think I will steer clear. Perhaps I should go to the crusades and meet my favorite historical person, Joan of arcadia, I would like to think I could change the minds of those who burned her at the stake.

Thanks, BC. Stay safe out there.

Very interesting! The really old ones are my favorites. Thanks!!

Very interesting. Thank you BC.

I've been watching these wonderful videos for a long time. The amount of research that goes in always amazes me. Bravo sir. 👍👍👍

Good morning Brief Case!

Fantastic! Another post! I was sleeping and woke up to this. It doesn't get any better than that

As Always GREAT RESEARCH BC. And As Always I'm looking forward to your next Brief Case. Salute

I didn't have time to watch this yesterday, but now I made some tea, curled up in the corner of my sofa with one of our cats and enjoyed your video. Thank you ever so much once again! Lots of love from Finland

Thank you. It was a very good one. Fixing to listen to it again now that I have time to listen a bit closer.

That was incredibly interesting. I love this channel, there should be millions of views on each video. So well done and researched so thoroughly.

Happy New Year and time for more Brief Cases!!!! This one was quite interesting. Thank you for sharing with us, your devoted followers. Hugs from Texas.

Wow. This case is crazy!

Thanks once again for an amazing,and wonderfully told story!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

Talking about going way back. I thought maybe Forgotten Lives was going to Narrate with the colorized thumbnail. But it's always great to hear you!

Thanks, Briefcase!

👏 Excellent episode! 👏 One of your best! Thank you! 😊

Wow Thankyou so much! I've lived near Staunton Harold in Leicestershire for years and have never heard this! Thankyou Briefcase 😁

Love it !! As always a good one 😊

Another great piece. Thanks!

Fascinating and very sad case. The poor man did not want the job but was made to take it. He should have had protection every time he had to visit the earl. Just a brief note: cholmondely is usually pronounced chumly as far as I am aware. English is a weird language eh?!

This may be of a minority opinion but I feel just because one is proven insane they should stand trial just the same and the punishment should be just as it is with a sane person. It's not fair for the victim who had their life taken not to receive proper justice and that should take precedence over the killer sane or not.

Superb as always, BC! My best to you and Brief Cat! 🐈 ❤️

Another awesome video. Just thought I would leave a comment to once again tell you that you're still my #1 on KZfaq. You're the best! I love my BRIEFCASE Monday's ❤️💯 God Bless ✝️🙏

Another history lesson. Keep up your brilliant work. Things like this fascinate me. Cheers 🍻!

Great video, as usual! I love your soothing voice!! 🙂❤️

Another Doozie thanks as always!

Absolutely intriguing. Thank you.

Amazing this information could be found! Thank you BC ☮️

What a strange story of legalities from way back when. How can he be crazy and still be allowed to defend himself? But he killed someone only out of arrogance. Very strange story, but still very good. You know how to find them...Hope Brief Cat is doing well.😺😺

Always interesting. Thank you. Peace 💕🇺🇲

One of the best episodes you’ve ever done. Combo of story and great visuals.

Your story and its telling are excellent as always! I appreciate you so much.

Thank You

What an intriguing story. Sad how events transpired

Love it, good work.

This is an amazing story! I’m now going to plunge into the Earl’s history to find out more!! Thank you

Thanks for another great case!

I understand the need to consider if one is mentally ill. However and especially since it is used so frequently today, I wish the USA would go to a guilty but insane verdict instead of not guilty by reason of insanity. This seems to me to be a more just while compassionate ruling.

Poor Mr. Johnson was placed in an difficult, no-win situation, in which the outcome was predictable. The Court in its wisdom, should have given this onerous legal obligation either to one of the Earl's Peers or an Official of the Court, to make it less likely for him to react by having a temper tantrum and take his anger out on someone who had lower social rank, which he was used to doing. Also would have be wise to take additional people with him for protection, given the Earl's unpredictable, but calculating behaviors.

Brief Case, thank you for having concise and informative videos. You don't go on and get to the substance of each case. It's always a pleasure listening to you, voice and content. 💯💯

Unlike now, back then the rich were held accountable for their crimes.

Excellent as always BC, most enjoyable. 🍁😎🇨🇦

Very interesting story indeed, thank you once again BC you have the most interesting channel. How you come across and research these cases is very impressive. Well done thank you.