This Month In History: The Murder of Esther Neale, June 1888.

June 2025 Edition

In June 1888, a tragic and disturbing incident occurred on Grosvenor Street in the Manningham district of Bradford, shocking the local community. Esther Neale, the wife of Francis Neale, a local draper, was found dead under violent and suspicious circumstances.

Francis & Esther were known to have a deeply troubled marriage, characterised by frequent arguments and aggravated by their struggles with alcohol, which often escalated tensions in the household.

Witness testimony during the investigation revealed a dramatic sequence of events. Francis reportedly caught Esther in what he perceived as a compromising situation - she was allegedly attempting to seduce a tradesman. Enraged by this, Francis left the home, claiming later that his wife was still alive when he departed. However, upon returning, he found Esther lifeless, with clear signs of physical injury, suggesting a violent confrontation had taken place.

The case quickly moved to court, drawing public interest and media attention due to its salacious and tragic elements. The trial aimed to determine whether Francis was directly responsible for his wife’s death or whether other factors contributed to the fatal outcome. The proceedings highlighted issues of domestic abuse, marital breakdown, and the destructive impact of alcohol on family life in Victorian England.

This gruesome episode is the inspiration for the museum’s new Trial by Jury experience, staged in our very own Victorian courtroom. Become a juror, hear the evidence, and deliver your own verdict!