The Retrial

On 01 January 1902 the body of missing girl, Frances O’Rourke, was found dead near the Vauxhall Inn, Tonbridge. Local man Harold Apted was put on trial for her murder and later executed on 18 March 1902.

120 years later, we invite you to join local historian Pam Mills as she reopens the case. Pam will present you with both the original arguments of the prosecution and defence, as well as unheard evidence from the home office, and recordings of the judges notes.

Upon hearing from both sides of ‘the court’, Pam will invite you, ‘the jury’ to share your verdict after revisiting this dark chapter in Tonbridge history.

This event will last for approximately 2 hours including a short interval.

Please note that there is limited space in this venue, so guests may be seated at shared tables.

All money raised from tickets sold will be donated to Sustain food bank.

***Important: please be aware that this talk covers a sensitive subject matter and content which may cause distress ***

This event is not suitable for children under the age of 16.