The Clerkenwell Explosion: The Outrage That Shocked Victorian Britain (1867)

The Clerkenwell Explosion: The Outrage That Shocked Victorian Britain (1867)

A quiet December afternoon in 1867 — and then a blast so powerful it shattered windows for half a mile, reduced homes to rubble, and sent shockwaves through Victorian London. What unfolded at Clerkenwell was far more than an attempted prison rescue. It became one of the most notorious tragedies of the era, triggering public panic, political fury, and the final public execution in British history.

In today’s episode, we explore:
• What really happened outside Clerkenwell Prison
• How a rescue attempt by Fenians spiralled into catastrophe
• Why the investigation became frantic, emotional — and deeply flawed
• The trial of Michael Barrett, and the lingering question: was the right man convicted?

We trace the explosion, the crowded neighbourhood it destroyed, the conflicting witness accounts, and the extraordinary political pressure that shaped the outcome.

And in Further Particulars, we leap back to 1814 for the unforgettable tale of a woman who somehow accumulated three husbands simultaneously, leaving a magistrate — and all three gentlemen — thoroughly bewildered.

If you enjoy thoughtful, atmospheric Victorian true crime, you’ll find more episodes, bonus stories, and exclusive content by searching for “News of the Times Patreon” wherever you normally browse online.

Settle in, take a steadying breath… and step with us into the streets of 1867.