State of the World from NPR The unfinished story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in Britain
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Jan 19, 2026 Lauren Frayer, NPR's London correspondent, delves into the dramatic 1955 case of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in Britain. She explores the shocking details of the murder that gripped the nation and examines how flawed investigations led to a quick conviction. The discussion highlights evidence of Ellis's abuse and mental state, complicating her story. Frayer shares insights on the family’s fight for a posthumous pardon, and how this controversial case influenced the abolition of capital punishment in the UK.
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Pub Photo Sparks Investigation
- Lauren Frayer found a black-and-white photo of Ruth Ellis in her local Magdala Pub and investigated further.
- The pub wall still shows bullet holes from the night Ellis shot David Blakely, anchoring the story in place and time.
Her Case Reflected Social Prejudices
- Ruth Ellis embodied multiple social tensions: class, gender, motherhood and sex work, which shaped public reaction to her crime.
- Those cultural judgments helped produce a swift conviction and execution in 1955.
Archive Files Reveal Confession
- At the National Archives Lauren Frayer reviewed prison and court files showing photos, detectives' notes, and Ellis's confession.
- Those records reveal she admitted shooting David and that prosecution evidence was comprehensive but selective.
