Christmas Crime Festival: Bigamy in Bradford, An Historical Talk by Tee Bylo

A scandalous tale of love, marriage and Victorian justice

Step back into Victorian Bradford for a tale of scandal, deception and unexpected twists, brought to life within the historic courtroom at Bradford City Hall.

One chilly January day in 1867, Martha Ann Critchley, a local Bradford woman, found herself standing in the dock at the Crown Court, accused of bigamy.

As the prosecution laid bare the details of Martha Ann's supposedly scandalous life, an enthralled courtroom listened to the allegations against her. But all was not quite as it seemed, and her disgruntled husband, William Critchley, would soon have reason to regret bringing his wife before the court.

Drawing upon original court transcripts from our very own courtroom, Bigamy in Bradford uncovers a remarkable true story of Victorian relationships, scandal and the workings of the criminal justice system. With a little help from volunteer performers, the proceedings will be brought to life in the very courtroom where visitors can experience this fascinating piece of local history.

Will justice be served? And what exactly had Martha Ann been up to?

Join us to discover the extraordinary story behind this nineteenth-century courtroom drama.

Part of the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival 2026

Taking place from 3^rd to 6^th December, the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival is a four-day celebration of crime, history, mystery and storytelling, presented by The Bradford Police Museum.

Through a programme of historical talks, theatrical performances, ghost tours and seasonal activities, the festival invites visitors to explore fascinating stories from the past within the unique surroundings of Bradford City Hall.

Bigamy in Bradford forms part of this special programme, offering audiences the chance to experience a remarkable true story inspired by the original records of Victorian justice.

About Tee Bylo – The Dead Sleuth

Tee Bylo, also known as The Dead Sleuth, is a professional genealogist, historical researcher, writer and storyteller with a particular fascination for Victorian crime, forgotten lives and the secrets hidden within historical records.

Through her research, talks and storytelling, Tee brings the lives of people from the past back into the spotlight, uncovering extraordinary tales of scandal, intrigue and everyday life that might otherwise remain forgotten.

With a passion for Yorkshire's social history and an eye for the more unusual stories found in the archives, Tee combines meticulous historical research with entertaining storytelling.

Find out more about Tee and her work at www.deadsleuth.com.

Event details

Date: Saturday 5^th December 2026

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Venue: The Bradford Police Museum

Tickets: £15 per person

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Accessibility & Important Visitor Information

This event takes place in the historic courtroom at Bradford City Hall, a Grade I-listed building that forms part of The Bradford Police Museum.

Accessibility

Please be aware that access to the courtroom involves climbing a flight of steep steps without a handrail. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the building and its current access arrangements, the courtroom is not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with restricted mobility who are unable to manage these steps.

As the courtroom is situated within a historic building, it can also become quite cold and draughty during the winter months. We therefore recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothing during your visit.

Arrival & Facilities

Doors will open at 5:30pm, and we kindly ask all visitors to arrive no later than 5:45pm to allow sufficient time for admission and seating before the event begins at 6pm.

Please note that there are no public toilet facilities available within The Bradford Police Museum. We recommend making use of nearby facilities before arriving.

Make the Most of Your Festival Experience!

As a thank you for joining us at the Bradford Christmas Crime Festival, we're offering ticket holders 50% off a guided tour of The Bradford Police Museum on Saturday 5th December 2026.

Discover more of Bradford's fascinating criminal past as one of our knowledgeable volunteer guides takes you through the original Victorian police cells and historic courtroom.

A promotional discount code will be provided with your booking confirmation, allowing you to book your guided tour at half the usual ticket price.

Guided tours must be booked separately and are subject to availability. The discount does not automatically reserve a place.

Questions or Additional Requirements?

We want all our visitors to feel informed and welcome. If you have any questions about accessibility or would like to discuss your individual requirements before booking, please contact The Bradford Police Museum, and we will be happy to provide further information.