Medieval Murders is the podcast that delves into the world of violent crimes in Medieval England.

In each episode, we tell the story of a single murder case that happened over six hundred years ago.

In this one, we solve an exceptional murder case that went cold 680 years ago.

It was a cold-blooded mafia-style assassination of John Ford, a man of god – it involved a gang of hitmen who cunningly used another priest to approach the victim in plain daylight – it sheds light on sin and sex, moral zeal, and double standards — it is likely shrouded in corruption and class justice — and, remarkably, the protagonist and mastermind is Ela FitzPayne — an extraordinary lady of the highest ranks in English nobility….

Unless, that is, she was framed in a dark political game between those supporting the new king Edward III and those loyal to his dead father, Edward II.

If you have any questions about the episode, drop us an email at murdersmedieval@gmail.com

You can see the site of many other historical murders like this by downloading the Medieval Murder Map app.

Medieval Murders is a podcast from the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge.

This episode is hosted by Nora Eisner and Professor Manuel Eisner.

The producer is Steve Hankey and the historical segments are voiced and sound designed by Charlie Inman.

The Music is Cantiga 166 by Vox Vulgaris.

The Bystander and the Balgstaff

Medieval MurdersBy Medieval MurdersSep 27, 2023