Take a trip to Turkey

Everyone seems to be heading to Turkey. Why Turkey? And why now? Turkey provides the ideal blend of relaxing beaches, unique culture, historical buildings and party atmosphere: everything you would want for the ultimate summer holiday. Turkey has wonderful countryside of unspoilt beauty and cultural treats as well as cosmopolitan resorts, crumbling ruins and natural wonders. Whether you’re wandering around bazaars, relaxing in a Turkish bath or enjoying the nightlife, you’ll find your own way to enjoy this varied country. Turkey provides us with a window in which to view the Middle East, with the on goings throughout the area, Turkey is a safer holiday option.

Did you know?

The famous Trojan War took place in Western Turkey; around the site where the Trojan horse rests today. Tradition in Turkey states that a stranger at one’s doorstep is considered "God’s guest" for at least three days. Wait, there’s more! Istanbul has the historical building of Sirkeci Train Station. This was the last stop of the Simplon-Orient Express – “kings of trains and train of kings" - between Paris and Constantinople (Istanbul) 1883 to 1977. Agatha Christie was one of the passengers of this famous train.

What’s the weather like in Turkey?

The coast of Turkey is temperate, warm, and humid in the summer. Eastern Turkey has short summers and bitterly cold winters. Central Anatolia is dry and hot in the summer, rainy and snowy in the winter. If you plan to visit beaches, June through to September is the best time to travel. Southeastern Turkey is very dry and extremely hot in the summer. If you already know which area in Turkey you are going you can read more specific weather information here.

What should I wear in Turkey?

The best way to see the Old City of Istanbul is on foot so the advice is comfy walking attire that can be removed easily when visiting any of the many mosques. Istanbul is very cosmopolitan and stylish city but if you don't want to stand out on the street, wear modest clothing. Short shorts or short skirts are not a great idea. Smart casual for daytime and evenings works really well.

In the evenings, Turkish women tend to dress up, but bare arms and plunging necklines are seldom seen as they're covered in public (even in the dining rooms of the grandest 5-star hotels) with lightweight evening scarves or shawls.The 4 and 5 star hotels can be extremely sophisticated and glamorous and you may want to pack a smarter outfit to fit right in.

Even in warm weather when you're wearing sleeveless tops, carry a lightweight shawl to put over your bare shoulders. This is great to cover up for modesty when visiting any mosques.

In the winter months it gets really cold (and it snows) so wrap up – take a coat, hat and gloves. In rural Turkey, women tend to dress much more modestly, dark coloured head scarves, long skirts or trekking trousers and long sleeved shirts will help you to blend in a little more.

The dress code is much more relaxed in the coastal resorts, because they exist predominantly for the tourist trade. However, you'll be far more welcome if you still bear in mind the Muslim customs. For instance, don't go topless, however comfortable you are with it – the Turkish are not. Shorts, T-shirts and swimwear are all perfectly fine for use in your resort. If you know you're going to stay put, then this is the only type of clothing you'll need.

What items should I shop for in Turkey?

The best items to shop for in Turkey are handwoven rugs and kilims, leather goods, silk, alabaster, copperware and brassware, ceramics, Iznik tiles, brass samovars, and meerschaum pipes. A smile and a polite no thank you to any over eager shop keepers is a great way of not feeling pressured. Prices in Turkey are generally significantly lower than in other EU countries And, at a time when the financial protection offered by package holidays is an important reassurance, the range of accommodation, tours and activities in tour operators’ brochures looks particularly attractive. 

Getting around in the Turkey Countryside

Turkey’s roads aren’t always well-maintained and speeding is common. Don’t expect indicators to always be used. It can be expensive to hire cars. But if you do want to drive, your best bet is to book through an agent such as Holiday Autos.

Ensure that all key aspects of your holiday are organised prior to departure to avoid any unwanted complications while abroad.

Skyscanner helps millions of users a month find the cheapest flights around the world by searching over 600 airlines – budget and scheduled – and 6000 routes.

Hotelopia is one of the world’s leading travel companies offering reduced-rate accommodation to holiday makers with 25,000 properties, in over 900 global destinations in the UK, Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Australia. They offer great value for money and service to all their customers, including instant hotel confirmation, a lowest price guarantee, fully inclusive quoted rates, with no additional credit card fees. 

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Make your own chocolate face mask

This decadent mask is an excellent moisturiser leaving your skin baby soft. Best for normal skin.

Homemade chocolate face mask recipe

Chocolate Facial Mask Ingredients:

1/3 cup cocoa (not drinking chocolate)

3 tablespoons double cream

2 teaspoons cottage cheese

¼ cup honey

3 teaspoons oatmeal

Chocolate Facial Mask Method:

Mix all ingredients together and smooth onto face.

Relax for 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.



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Chocolate Christmas Pudding

A chocolate christmas pudding is the perfect solution for those who don't like a traditional xmas pud. 

I am a big fan of Christmas pudding but when I saw a picture of a chocolate christmas pudding I just had to try it for myself! It's a very popular choice!

Chocolate Christmas Pudding Ingredients:

1 Terry's chocolate orange
1 box of maltesers
50g dark chocolate, melted
100g white chocolate, melted
holly as topping

The key is keeping the chocolate at the right temperature. I popped the terry's chocolate orange in the fridge for an hour first. I melted the dark chocolate until there were no bits and let it gradually cool down. This will be your glue.

I dipped each individual malteser into the melted dark chocolate and then starting from the bottom I stuck each malteser onto the chocolate orange. I created pressure using my nail rather than my finger tips as so to reduce the heat and minimise the possibility of melting the maltesers and them losing their shine. I worked my way from round all the bottom and moved upwards. I then popped the covered chocolate orange in the fridge to set.

I melted the white chocolate in the microwave for 30 secs and stirred it till there were no lumps. I continued to stir the white chocolate until the chocolate didn't easily fall back into the main mixture. I then slowly dripped the nearly set white chocolate onto the top of the covered chocolate orange and added the holly to the top.

Enjoy!



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Top 5 Winter City Breaks from the UK

Paris
Two of the most famous cities in Europe are Paris and Berlin; both attracting a number of visitors during winter. The best way to explore arguably the most romantic city in Europe is to wander along the River Seine and around the different quarters. There are so many famous landmarks and museums to visit in Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre and Notre Dame, but it’s not all sightseeing, with numerous bohemian cafes, stunning eateries and fantastic wine ensuring many opportunities for leisure.

Berlin

Berlin is one of the cities in Europe offering the most history for visitors to immerse themselves in with the Berlin wall being one of the most iconic sites in Europe. A large stretch of the wall remains undamaged and is now covered in striking murals. Berlin is a city of art and is home to over 150 museums ensuring it offers one of the most intriguing cultural atmospheres in Europe. For those wishing to enjoy a livelier pace to their city break, Berlin is known to party harder than anywhere in Europe. Numerous clubs and parties occur all over the city, at any time of the year.

Istanbul

For stunning architecture and centuries worth of history Istanbul is a fantastic destination. The 2010 European Capital of Culture is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites leaving visitors in awe of the likes of Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. 

Barcelona

A classic city break in Barcelona is a great option for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in a distinctive culture. Spain’s most independent city enjoys a different style to the rest of the country whether it is language, culture or attitude. Winter temperatures are not as hot as in summer but do little to detract from the stunning architecture, the lively medieval quarter and the Port Vell waterfront area.

Budapest
Budapest is fast becoming one of the most popular city breaks for UK tourists. It consists of two separate cities; Buda and Pest. Buda is the more cultural offering being home to the majority of cafes, bars, music and the coffee house scene whereas Pest is more of the commercial centre. Budapest is famous for its thermal spa’s and bath houses and is also home to some fantastic attractions such as the Royal Palace and Buda Castle.

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Shopping in Europe: Hidden Gems

One of the advantages of living in London is that we are close enough to enjoy weekends away in Europe without it being considered a 'real' holiday.

Make the most of your shopping experience when on holiday by finding your local hidden haven. Let's face it. We all do it, particularly when on holiday. For many of us it's right at the top of the list of things to do. No matter whether I am heading for cheese in Greece or boutiques in Paris, shopping always seems to form an essential part of any holiday, well, for me at least. 

It’s often those little hidden shopping gems we find that stick in the memory. For me some of my best finds have been markets that only the locals know about, where you get the true authentic shopping experience. Here are a few places in Europe that are worth investigating when out shopping.

Plaza de Cascorro, Madrid, Spain
On a Sunday the streets are transformed into one of the largest markets in the world. Antiques, clothes and lots of misc items are on sale. It's worthy of a visit for the character of the market alone. Open from 10:30 - 3pm. The nearest metro station is La Latina and Tirso de Molina.

Cormanco, Milan, Italy
 The market at Cormanco near Milan is home to 150 stalls and thousands of bargains. The area is famous for silk as it has been making silk since the C14th. Did you know? Como produces 80 percent of Europe’s silk? Take your time and browse around the market as you’ll be sure to find some stunning fabrics amongst the household goods, toys and old clothes. There are also glass and silverware available too. This is an absolute haven for bargain hunters, You’ll need to be up early as the market starts at 7.30am every Saturday and closes by 2pm. The early bird catches the worm!

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Shopping on holiday isn’t just about items for your home, souvenirs or clothes. There are so many intriguing food markets throughout Europe you’d be foolish not to have a look. The central covered market in Cagliari, Sardinia – Mercato di San Benedetto – has one whole floor filled with fish stalls. There’s a huge array of fish to choose from and all fresh from the sea. There will be a few types which you might not have seen before. What better way to sample the real Italy than with a fresh fish dish?

Istanbul, Turkey
You’ve probably all heard of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and while this is a treat to go and visit, some of the stalls in the vacinity of the famous tourist attraction have much more to offer in terms of delicate and ornate Turkish jewellery and at a much more real price. Precious and semi-precious stones set in gold and silver with intricate designs are the bulk of what is on offer. Don’t rush in, have a good look round and brush up on your haggling skills. There really are some great deals to be had if you haggle hard enough.

Vieux Quartier – Annecy, France 
Nestled in the old quarter of this quaint French town the Vieux Quarter in France is a real find and reflects the regional rustic focus of its wares. From wooden tools and utensils, fishing gear, cowbells, paintings, wooden chests or armoires, you’ll never be quite sure what you’ll find here, which just adds to its charm. 

Mofu – Athens, Greece
 If homeware is your 'thing' then a trip to Mofu in Athens is a must for you. Retro fans will fall in love with the eclectic range of 50s, 60s and 70s furniture, lamps and random designer collectables. The store staff are very friendly and shipping can easily be arranged. Remember to stay on top of the exchange rates to ensure you’re getting the deal you think you are.

Shopping Europe: 1994: How to Shop Like a Professional in More Than 1400 of the Greatest Shops of Europe! (Fielding's Shopping Europe)

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Tonight's supermoon

Have you seen the supermoon tonight?

What makes tonight's full moon different from other full moons this year?

This is the closest full moon of the calendar year. The moon orbits around the Earth but it's not a perfect circle so this is it's closest approach. 

What kind of moon can I see?

The perigee moon will seem 14% larger and 30% brighter than the smallest full moon of the year. 

How many supermoons are there this year?

There is only one supermoon, ie the closest to the Earth and it is tonight!

Supermoon2014 and Spectra

The lamps are going out all over Europe - SpectraLondon

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London 2012, a distant memory

It's grey rainy days like this where I like to reflect on all the amazing opportunities London has provided me and many thousands of others.

Highlights of 2012

When Elizabeth Streb came to London

BT London Live - Free Event for 1,000s

Paralympic Agitos in London

Houses of Parliament Projections

It's all happening on Southbank

Thames Festival

World record breaking music marathon

Athletes Parade - well done to all involed




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Top Victorian Blog Posts

Dickensian London

Dickens started to write Oliver Twist in 1837, the same year the Victorian era began, when the Anti-Poor Law agitations had reached their peak. He was a fierce critic of the poverty and social layering of Victorian society. Read more

Victorian London in Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist is a novel all about the gritty realism of everyday life in London. Many of Dickens’ contemporary critics and reading public feared that novels could be too realistic, and that naïve readers (often female readers) wouldn't be able to tell the difference between fiction and reality. Read more

Music Halls and Cinemas of Holloway Road

Most people think of the Seven Sisters and Holloway Roads as two nondescript traffic choked roads with nothing to detain them on their way in and out of town. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read more

The Lost Euston Station Arch

Euston railway station, also known as London Euston is a central London railway terminus in the London Borough of Camden and is the sixth busiest rail terminal in London (by entries and exits). Euston Station is now the subject of a major redevelopment plan as the high speed line HS2 will start from here. Read more

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood - an Intro

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was an organised group founded in September 1848, a Victorian world filled with dramatic technological and social change. The Brotherhood met for five years at 7 Gower Street, London where there is now an English Heritage blue plaque. Read more

London History Timeline

A break down as to the history of London including the Kings and Queens of England. I have tried to join interesting pieces of information together and used themes accordingly. Discover more

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We Will Remember Them

Some of you will be aware that today marks the centenary of when Britain declared war on Germany for invading Belgium. Everyone in the UK has been invited to turn their lights out from 10-11pm this evening leaving a single light or candle to mark the moment the UK entered the First World War, exactly 100 years ago today.

Roll on 30 years to 4th August 1944 a 15 year old girl was arrested with her sister, parents and four others by the Gestapo after hiding for two years inside a building in Amsterdam. Her name was Anne Frank. Seven months later Anne died at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, Lohheide, Germany. Her diary lives on: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." — Anne Frank (1929-1945).

Today's Google Doodle marks 180th birthday of English logician and philosopher Jon Venn who is famous for introducing the Venn diagram which is used in many fields, including set theory, probability, logic, statistics and computer science. See Independent's article

Related blog post:

Royal Artillery Memorial, Hyde Park Corner

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New London Guided Walks Announced

The sun is out, the sky is blue, there's not a cloud to spoil the view. Join us on one of our new walks:

Alcohol en route!
Investigate some fascinating buildings in one ancient road into London related to drink! 

Best of Blackfriars
Explore with us the best bits of Blackfriars on this circular guided walk. We visit the King's Wardrobe, two theatres, priory remains and an ancient Guild.

Best of Blackfriars

Brunel and the Thames
As one of the oldest inhabited parts of London, the South Bank has been the site of many interesting stories from London's history.

Made in Chelsea: Arts & Literature
During the past decades King's Road, Chelsea has become noted for its fashion shops. Look beyond the sparkling shop window displays you will see an artistic world waiting to be explored.

Made in Chelsea

London Bridges
Millions of Londoners cross these bridges every week and most don’t even give them a second thought. These bridges are a way of linking the present to the past.

Marvellous Mayfair
For many years an annual fair was held in a suburban London field during. During C18th its development attracted some of the most wealthy & influential citizens. 

Marvellous Mayfair

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Top Blog posts

Start of the Georgians

The 'Georgian Age' was considered to be elegant and polite. As with the sweet comes the sour; the 'Age of Hogarth', a time of speculation, squalor and satire. 

Dr Crippen - The Crime of the Century

Edwardian society was to witness what was dubbed the crime of the CenturyLondon wasn't short of murders or horror stories so what made this murder in particular the crime of the century?

Spriggans in Crouch End

Sometimes Spriggans would even steal human children and leave their own ugly offspring behind, so be on guard if out walking with your kids!

Hogarth's Beer Street & Gin Lane

Hogarth is the unquestioned father of England's rich tradition of satire and remains one of the most original and lively minds in the entire history of British art.

Was the Great Fire of London caused by a terrorist attack?

The Great Fire is known as the most famous disaster in London's history. The Monument was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the City.

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Reporting of Edwardian News

Edwardian society was to witness what was dubbed the crime of the Century. 

London wasn't short of murders or horror stories so what made this murder in particular the crime of the century? 

The vibrant American music hall performer Cora Crippen disappeared in 1910 and Dr Crippen her American husband was tried and found guilty of murder before being executed at Pentonville prison the same year. The new century was only ten years old. Why was the title of crime of the century so eagerly embraced? Did people not believe a more grisly crime could ever take place? Or was it perhaps that this crime in particular ticked all the boxes; something for everyone?

I believe a concoction of four key elements raised interest in the Dr Crippen Cellar murder case to levels not previously experienced in Edwardian society. 

The contributory key elements are:

SocietyTaboos: sex sells

Glamour: aworld of diamonds and furs

Criminologicalfirsts: making history in the present

Reporting ofNews: usage of photography

Reporting of News: usage of photography

The constant moving about of Society sparked the rise of photojournalism society columns, which fed the need of the less fortunate public to feast on the adventures, exploits, and activities of their “social betters” prior to the advent of Hollywood cinema stars.

The high seas drama of the Crippen London Cellar murderer caused a sensation in the press and, with daily coverage of events on board. Newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic said Dew had "effected the most sensational criminal capture of the century".

News Reporters reported on every stage of the police investigation including when the headless, ‘filleted’ corpse wrapped parcel-like in a piece of pyjama jacket was discovered by the police at 39 Hilldrop Crescent.

Surely the gruesome tale of a missing skeleton, including the skull, fanned the flames of intrigue? Everyone likes a taste of the unsavoury don’t they? By seeing the number of backpack carrying groups round the dark street of Whitechapel 120 years after the murders took place on one Jack the Ripper tour or another, certainly does seem to support this notion.

The availability of photographs contributed to the storytelling, encasing the policemen involved and fugitives in a validated snapshot in time. This story is believable because the people in the photographs are real. Jack the Ripper hadn’t been caught but Dr Crippen had. Look into the eyes of a wife murderer, see what Le Neve is wearing and is she pretty enough to explain the need for Crippen to dispose of his wife Belle Elmore?

Having Chief Inspector Dew in charge of the murder investigation certainly would have peaked media interest. Previously Dew was involved in bringing international jewel-thief William Johnson, known as 'Harry the Valet', to justice in 1898. The newspaper editors must have salivated at the prospect of details with which to fill their newspapers and in turn their pockets. 

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Criminological firsts: making history in the present

Edwardian society was to witness what was dubbed the crime of the Century. 

Newspaper of the day

London wasn't short of murders or horror stories so what made this murder in particular the crime of the century?  

The vibrant American music hall performer Cora Crippen disappeared in 1910 and Dr Crippen her American husband was tried and found guilty of murder before being executed at Pentonville prison the same year. 

The new century was only ten years old. Why was the title of crime of the century so eagerly embraced? Did people not believe a more grisly crime could ever take place? Or was it perhaps that this crime in particular ticked all the boxes; something for everyone?

I believe a concoction of four key elements raised interest in the Dr Crippen Cellar murder case to levels not previously experienced in Edwardian society. 

The contributory key elements are:

SocietyTaboos: sex sells

Glamour: aworld of diamonds and furs

Criminologicalfirsts: making history in the present

Reporting ofNews: usage of photography

Criminological firsts: making history in the present

Dr Crippen was the first criminal ever to be captured by means of wireless.  The SS Montrose’s skipper, Captain Henry Kendall, became suspicious of two passengers after he had read about the crime in a newspaper report. He also believed he recognised Crippen’s photograph.

Arrest of Dr Crippen

The couple had been travelling as Mr John and Master Robinson, father and son with Crippen being the father and La Neve the son.

The ship was one of the few which had been equipped with new radio technology and so Captain Kendall was able to telegraph his concerns to authorities ashore. 

Captain Kendall's message read:

“Have strong suspicion that Crippen London Cellar murderer and accomplice are amongst saloon passengers. Moustache shaved off, growing a beard. Accomplice dressed as a boy, voice, manner and build undoubtedly a girl.”

I am surprised the couple chose this disguise if Ethel’s sex was so obvious. Passports were not required in 1910 unless travelling to Russia and so why not travel under the guise of a Mr & Mrs Robinson?

This was the first ever use of radiotelegraphy for police purposes. Chief Inspector Dew who was in charge of the case was able to board a faster vessel (SS Laurentic) and catch up with the SS Montrose when it was in Canadian waters before it had reached its destination. The fugitives had tried to escape to America, perhaps the story would have ended differently.

On 31 July, Chief Inspector Dew boarded the SS Montrose at Father’s Point and arrested both Dr Crippen and La Neve. The chase was over and celebrated across the Atlantic; good conquers evil.

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Dubbed crime of the century

Edwardian society was to witness what was dubbed the crime of the Century

Music Hall Actress Belle Elmore

London wasn't short of murders or horror stories so what made this murder in particular the crime of the century?  The vibrant American music hall performer Cora Crippen disappeared in 1910 and Dr Crippen her American husband was tried and found guilty of murder before being executed at Pentonville prison the same year. 

Why was the title of crime of the century so eagerly embraced? Did people not believe a more grisly crime could ever take place? Or was it perhaps that this crime in particular ticked all the boxes; something for everyone?

I believe a concoction of four key elements raised interest in the Dr Crippen Cellar murder case to levels not previously experienced in Edwardian society. Read more...

The contributory key elements are:

SocietyTaboos: sex sells

Glamour: aworld of diamonds and furs

Criminologicalfirsts: making history in the present

Reporting ofNews: usage of photography

Cora Crippen

Edwardian Glamour

When in the States, Cora had the ambition to be an opera singer. However, after they came to London, she had realigned her sights on becoming a Music Hall performer, a less reputable profession. She used the stage name ‘Belle Elmore’. Her stage career never really took off and (she is) sadly now infamously immortalised as the wife and victim of Dr Crippen.

Popular song of the day:

“Dr. Crippen killed Belle Elmore

Ran away with Miss le Neve

Right across the ocean blue

Followed by Inspector Dew

Ship's ahoy, naughty boy!”

The Music Hall was a staple of English entertainment during the Edwardian era. Cora socialised with a number of famous variety players of the time, including Lil Hawthorne of "The Hawthorne Sisters" and Lil's husband/manager John Nash.

Belle Elmore did not find the success she had hoped for in the Music Hall. In the last couple of years she had focussed her attention on the Music Hall Ladies' Guild as its Honorary Treasurer. This provided her with a seemingly impressive title and enabled her to increase her presence at social events. Being seen to be important is one skill many celebrities live off.

Crippen home, 39 Hilldrop Crescent, Camden

The case of Dr Crippen also included cross-Atlantic travel as the fugitives Crippen and Le Neve had boarded the SS Montrose in Antwerp, bound for Montreal, Canada. The Edwardian era was an Age of Steam and Electricity. The result of which was an increase in wealth and a group of people; the nouveau riche‘.  Travelling for leisure became a class-wide pastime. 

One could rub elbows with royalty and aristocratic luminaries and thumb your nose at those who snubbed you back at home. Others found that it strengthened the bond between upper class societies, mirroring the familial ties between the royal families of Britain and Europe. The meeting of and socializing with others of a like mind and background solidified the significance of the well-born and well-placed.

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Dr Crippen - The Crime of the Century

Edwardian society was to witness what was dubbed the crime of the Century

London wasn't short of murders or horror stories so what made this murder in particular the crime of the century?  

Dr Crippen in Madame Tussauds, London

The vibrant American music hall performer Cora Crippen disappeared in 1910 and Dr Crippen her American husband was tried and found guilty of murder before being executed at Pentonville prison the same year. 

The new century was only ten years old. Why was the title of crime of the century so eagerly embraced? Did people not believe a more grisly crime could ever take place? Or was it perhaps that this crime in particular ticked all the boxes; something for everyone?

I believe a concoction of four key elements raised interest in the Dr Crippen Cellar murder case to levels not previously experienced in Edwardian society. 

The contributory key elements are:

SocietyTaboos: sex sells

Glamour: aworld of diamonds and furs

Criminologicalfirsts: making history in the present

Reporting ofNews: usage of photography

Society Taboos: Sex Sells

Cora Turner met Dr Crippen when 17 years old whilst living under the protection of another man.  She married the 30 year old doctor, a widower and father, the same year. In a Statement Crippen made to Chief Inspector Dew on 8th July 1910 he said he had found Cora to be very attractive. Perhaps it was more than her looks Crippen was attracted to; she was young, impressionable and in need of protection.

Was Crippen already a predator? Taking a young woman in need under his wing for her to do his bidding when a husband, the man of the house? Being perceived as so physically weak, did Crippen need to feel powerful and in control of someone who needed him? He certainly wasn't looking for a mother for his young son, as he left his son in the charge of his parents in San Jose, California when the couple moved to London, England.

The young Cora had confessed to him of her plans to run away from the man under whose protection she was living. Instead Crippen married Cora in Jersey City 1893. Why, when having already ventured into thoughts of leaving one man, did she choose to leave and marry another? Crippen was described as “somewhat straggly…. Somewhat slovenly appearance…Very plausible and quiet spoken, remarkably cool and collected demeanour”Hardly a man which a young woman of artistic talent and sensibilities would gravitate to. Did she think that perhaps she could control this quiet individual?

Marriage for a young woman already tarnished by the knowledge of a man not her husband would allow Cora to disappear from her past and gain respectability.

An Extramarital Affair

By 1907 Dr Crippen, now 48 years old, had employed a secretary to work with him at his firm’s New Oxford Street office. It wasn't long till they were having an affair. The secretary was Ethel Le Neve who being 27 years old was 10 years younger than Crippen’s wife Cora and 21 years younger than Crippen himself. The fantasy of having a younger woman continues today, “You’re only as young as the woman you feel”. 

Crippen and Le Neve would often meet in seedy hotels in Argyle Square, King’s Cross. Their affair increased in intensity. In 1909 Le Neve suffered a miscarriage and confided in her landlady Mrs Jackson. This must have been a wakeup call to Le Neve; she was 26, unmarried and had suffered a miscarriage as a result of having an affair with a married man. Life wasn't supposed to turn out like this. What could be done?

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