After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal The Railway Murder That Shook Victorian Britain
Oct 6, 2025
Journey back to 1864, where Victorian Britain gasped at its first railway murder involving banker Thomas Briggs. Discover the shocking details of his brutal attack on a train, the mystery of a bloodied carriage, and the ensuing manhunt across the Atlantic. Explore the cultural fears of class segregation and societal anxieties surrounding rail travel. Unravel the story of suspect Franz Muller, from his immigrant struggles to a dramatic trial. This case not only sent shockwaves through London but also led to crucial safety reforms on trains.
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Railway Travel's Dark Turning Point
- The 1864 attack on Thomas Briggs was the first widely reported murder on a passenger railway and shattered public trust in trains.
- The case turned the railway from a marvel into a perceived danger and sparked a major transatlantic manhunt.
Guard's Grisly Discovery
- Guard Benjamin Ames discovered a blood-soaked first-class carriage with a squashed hat but no body inside.
- Shortly after, Thomas Briggs was found battered beside the tracks and died two days later.
Privacy As A Security Flaw
- First-class compartments provided privacy but also dangerous isolation with no emergency communication or quick help.
- That seclusion made first-class carriages ideal settings for violent crimes in early rail travel.
