The Lucan Obsession [The History Podcast]

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

The Double Mystery

20241028

20250713 (R4)

One winter's night, 50 years ago, a crime took place that obsessed the nation.

Lord Lucan is said to have killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished.

Newspapers ran wild with lurid detail and it became a story hardwired into British culture.

Why did this case capture the British imagination, and spark one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th Century?

Historian Alex von Tunzelmann unpacks the story of our obsession, taking us into a dizzying world of high stakes gambling and exclusive London clubs, powerboat racing and pet tigers. It's also a dark realm of bankruptcy, gaslighting and stalking, and at its heart, a story with a violent and very tragic death.

Across the series she investigates the two mysteries at the centre of this story: was Lord Lucan the murder, and where on earth did he go?

Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex finds herself in a hall of mirrors where truth and lies distort themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin?

As she tries to get to the bottom of this case, she meets eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go. She unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together fragments of a legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power.

Series contributors:

Algy Cluff, Pierrette Goletto and Mandy Parks

Journalists: Bob Strange and James Fox

Author: Laura Thompson

Crime writer: Claire McGowan

Police: Geoff Lewry, Richard Swarbrick and Jackie Malton

UK Missing Persons Unit: Louise Newell

Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann

Series Producer: Sarah Bowen

Content Producer: Becca Bryers

There were hundreds of deaths in 1974 but the story of Lord Lucan gripped the nation. Why?

The case of Lord Lucan is legendary. Why does this, of all horrific murders from the last century, still resonate today?

Lord Lucan killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished.

She tries to get to the bottom of this case, meeting eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go.

Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex discovers a hall of mirrors where truth and lies have distorted themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin? As the stories and conspiracies swirl around her, Alex herself gets caught up in the Lucan obsession.

Across the series she unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together the fragments of the legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power.

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	The Double Mystery	20241028	20250713 (R4)	One winter's night, 50 years ago, a crime took place that obsessed the nation. Lord Lucan is said to have killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished. Newspapers ran wild with lurid detail and it became a story hardwired into British culture. Why did this case capture the British imagination, and spark one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th Century? Historian Alex von Tunzelmann unpacks the story of our obsession, taking us into a dizzying world of high stakes gambling and exclusive London clubs, powerboat racing and pet tigers. It's also a dark realm of bankruptcy, gaslighting and stalking, and at its heart, a story with a violent and very tragic death. Across the series she investigates the two mysteries at the centre of this story: was Lord Lucan the murder, and where on earth did he go? Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex finds herself in a hall of mirrors where truth and lies distort themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin? As she tries to get to the bottom of this case, she meets eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go. She unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together fragments of a legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power. Series contributors: Algy Cluff, Pierrette Goletto and Mandy Parks Journalists: Bob Strange and James Fox Author: Laura Thompson Crime writer: Claire McGowan Police: Geoff Lewry, Richard Swarbrick and Jackie Malton UK Missing Persons Unit: Louise Newell Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers There were hundreds of deaths in 1974 but the story of Lord Lucan gripped the nation. Why? The case of Lord Lucan is legendary. Why does this, of all horrific murders from the last century, still resonate today? Lord Lucan killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished. She tries to get to the bottom of this case, meeting eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go. Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex discovers a hall of mirrors where truth and lies have distorted themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin? As the stories and conspiracies swirl around her, Alex herself gets caught up in the Lucan obsession. Across the series she unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together the fragments of the legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power. [LISTEN NOW] One winter's night, 50 years ago, a crime took place that obsessed the nation. Lord Lucan is said to have killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished. Newspapers ran wild with lurid detail and it became a story hardwired into British culture. Why did this case capture the British imagination, and spark one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th Century? Historian Alex von Tunzelmann unpacks the story of our obsession, taking us into a dizzying world of high stakes gambling and exclusive London clubs, powerboat racing and pet tigers. It's also a dark realm of bankruptcy, gaslighting and stalking, and at its heart, a story with a violent and very tragic death. Across the series she investigates the two mysteries at the centre of this story: was Lord Lucan the murder, and where on earth did he go? Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex finds herself in a hall of mirrors where truth and lies distort themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin? As she tries to get to the bottom of this case, she meets eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go. She unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together fragments of a legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power. Series contributors: Algy Cluff, Pierrette Goletto and Mandy Parks Journalists: Bob Strange and James Fox Author: Laura Thompson Crime writer: Claire McGowan Police: Geoff Lewry, Richard Swarbrick and Jackie Malton UK Missing Persons Unit: Louise Newell Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers There were hundreds of deaths in 1974 but the story of Lord Lucan gripped the nation. Why? Reading his great-grandfather's memoir, Joe Dunthorne discovers a disturbing confession. The case of Lord Lucan is legendary. Why does this, of all horrific murders from the last century, still resonate today? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan. [LISTEN NOW]
02	Death In Belgravia	20241029	20250720 (R4)	What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen What really happened on the night of 7 November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Reading his great-grandfather's memoir, Joe Dunthorne discovers a disturbing confession. How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan. [LISTEN NOW] What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen What really happened on the night of 7 November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? [LISTEN NOW]
02	The Lucan Obsession: 2. Death In Belgravia	20241029		What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? [LISTEN NOW]
02	The Lucan Obsession: Death In Belgravia	20241029		What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? [LISTEN NOW]
03	Lucky Lucan	20241030	20250727 (R4)	Lord Lucan raced powerboats through the English Channel, drove an Aston Martin around the Grand Canyon and completed the Cresta Run at Saint-Moritz. Throwing himself into gambling, he was nicknamed Lucky. With slicked back hair, charm, style and humour, he was remarkably striking. But underneath this image there was a very different man. Alex hears from friends, biographers and someone who lived in the Lucan household to ask who really was Lord Lucan? Was he the vicious, violent and dangerous murderer of Sandra Rivett or was this a myth it was seductive to believe? Producer: Sarah Bowen Who really was Lord Lucan behind that charming fa\u00e7ade? Reading his great-grandfather's memoir, Joe Dunthorne discovers a disturbing confession. Lord Lucan was fun, fearless and strikingly good looking. But was he also racist, obsessive and a violent murderer? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan. Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. [LISTEN NOW]
03	The Lucan Obsession: 3. Lucky Lucan	20241030		Lord Lucan raced powerboats through the English Channel, drove an Aston Martin around the Grand Canyon and completed the Cresta Run at Saint-Moritz. Throwing himself into gambling, he was nicknamed Lucky. With slicked back hair, charm, style and humour, he was remarkably striking. But underneath this image there was a very different man. Alex hears from friends, biographers and someone who lived in the Lucan household to ask who really was Lord Lucan? Was he the vicious, violent and dangerous murderer of Sandra Rivett or was this a myth it was seductive to believe? Producer: Sarah Bowen Who really was Lord Lucan behind that charming fa\u00e7ade? Lord Lucan was fun, fearless and strikingly good looking. But was he also racist, obsessive and a violent murderer? [LISTEN NOW]
03	The Lucan Obsession: Lucky Lucan	20241030		Lord Lucan raced powerboats through the English Channel, drove an Aston Martin around the Grand Canyon and completed the Cresta Run at Saint-Moritz. Throwing himself into gambling, he was nicknamed Lucky. With slicked back hair, charm, style and humour, he was remarkably striking. But underneath this image there was a very different man. Alex hears from friends, biographers and someone who lived in the Lucan household to ask who really was Lord Lucan? Was he the vicious, violent and dangerous murderer of Sandra Rivett or was this a myth it was seductive to believe? Producer: Sarah Bowen Who really was Lord Lucan behind that charming fa\u00e7ade? Lord Lucan was fun, fearless and strikingly good looking. But was he also racist, obsessive and a violent murderer? [LISTEN NOW]
04	Searching For Lady Lucan	20241031	20250803 (R4)	The press portrayed Lady Lucan as a perfect victim: a tiny, fragile woman, attacked by a cruel and vengeful man. Lord Lucan's friends said she was a volatile, difficult snob. She is certainly enigmatic and intriguing. With access to never before broadcast tapes, Alex von Tunzlemann looks for the truth behind the stories of the Countess and explores how her image emerged. Producer: Sarah Bowen Despite all the press attention, Lady Lucan remained enigmatic. Who was she really? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. Was Lady Lucan simply an innocent victim of a hideous crime or have we underestimated her when gripped by the story of the Lucan case? [LISTEN NOW]
04	The Lucan Obsession: 4. Searching For Lady Lucan	20241031		The press portrayed Lady Lucan as a perfect victim: a tiny, fragile woman, attacked by a cruel and vengeful man. Lord Lucan's friends said she was a volatile, difficult snob. She is certainly enigmatic and intriguing. With access to never before broadcast tapes, Alex von Tunzlemann looks for the truth behind the stories of the Countess and explores how her image emerged. Producer: Sarah Bowen Despite all the press attention, Lady Lucan remained enigmatic. Who was she really? Was Lady Lucan simply an innocent victim of a hideous crime or have we underestimated her when gripped by the story of the Lucan case? [LISTEN NOW]
04	The Lucan Obsession: Searching For Lady Lucan	20241031		The press portrayed Lady Lucan as a perfect victim: a tiny, fragile woman, attacked by a cruel and vengeful man. Lord Lucan's friends said she was a volatile, difficult snob. She is certainly enigmatic and intriguing. With access to never before broadcast tapes, Alex von Tunzlemann looks for the truth behind the stories of the Countess and explores how her image emerged. Producer: Sarah Bowen Despite all the press attention, Lady Lucan remained enigmatic. Who was she really? Was Lady Lucan simply an innocent victim of a hideous crime or have we underestimated her when gripped by the story of the Lucan case? [LISTEN NOW]
05	The Lucan Obsession: 5. The Tinderbox House	20241101		Many relationships have tricky patches, with couples struggling for money or over the children. But there's a spark in this story that takes us from the Lucan's glamorous society wedding to Sandra Rivett being murdered, Lady Lucan attacked and the children swept away. And it grips us. Alex von Tunzleman hunts for what triggers this story, delving through a box of Lucan's possessions not seen for decades. As she discovers cheque stubs, invoices and letters from the bank, she sees the reality of what life was like behind the Lucan's veneer of respectability: a world of debt and alcohol, gaslighting, late night calls and stalking. Producer: Sarah Bowen What is going on behind the fa\u00e7ade of the Lucan's Belgravia home that ignites this story? Staggering gambling debts, a humiliating custody battle and a brewing a hatred. Behind the doors of 46 Lower Belgrave St, the story is about to explode. [LISTEN NOW]
05	The Lucan Obsession: The Tinderbox House	20241101		Many relationships have tricky patches, with couples struggling for money or over the children. But there's a spark in this story that takes us from the Lucan's glamorous society wedding to Sandra Rivett being murdered, Lady Lucan attacked and the children swept away. And it grips us. Alex von Tunzleman hunts for what triggers this story, delving through a box of Lucan's possessions not seen for decades. As she discovers cheque stubs, invoices and letters from the bank, she sees the reality of what life was like behind the Lucan's veneer of respectability: a world of debt and alcohol, gaslighting, late night calls and stalking. Producer: Sarah Bowen What is going on behind the fa\u00e7ade of the Lucan's Belgravia home that ignites this story? Staggering gambling debts, a humiliating custody battle and a brewing a hatred. Behind the doors of 46 Lower Belgrave St, the story is about to explode. [LISTEN NOW]
05	The Tinderbox House	20241101	20250810 (R4)	Many relationships have tricky patches, with couples struggling for money or over the children. But there's a spark in this story that takes us from the Lucan's glamorous society wedding to Sandra Rivett being murdered, Lady Lucan attacked and the children swept away. And it grips us. Alex von Tunzleman hunts for what triggers this story, delving through a box of Lucan's possessions not seen for decades. As she discovers cheque stubs, invoices and letters from the bank, she sees the reality of what life was like behind the Lucan's veneer of respectability: a world of debt and alcohol, gaslighting, late night calls and stalking. Producer: Sarah Bowen What is going on behind the fa\u00e7ade of the Lucan's Belgravia home that ignites this story? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. Staggering gambling debts, a humiliating custody battle and a brewing a hatred. Behind the doors of 46 Lower Belgrave St, the story is about to explode. A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
06	The Golden Hour	20241104	20250817 (R4)	With Sandra Rivett lying dead in the basement, Lucan must decide whether to face the police or run. And so begins the second mystery that has made this case so compelling. Where did Lucan go that night? Was he being sheltered by his friends who the police nicknamed The Eaton Square Mafia? Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the hours after the murder, asking whose version should we believe. She meets an eyewitness who says she was the last person to see Lucan alive, and crawls underground into a bunker where the police were sure he was hiding. Producer: Sarah Bowen Lord Lucan vanishes in the hour after the murder. But where did he go? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. When Lord Lucan decided to run from the scene of Sandra Rivett's murder, he triggered a question no-one has yet been able to answer. Where did he go? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
06	The Lucan Obsession: 6. The Golden Hour	20241104		With Sandra Rivett lying dead in the basement, Lucan must decide whether to face the police or run. And so begins the second mystery that has made this case so compelling. Where did Lucan go that night? Was he being sheltered by his friends who the police nicknamed The Eaton Square Mafia? Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the hours after the murder, asking whose version should we believe. She meets an eyewitness who says she was the last person to see Lucan alive, and crawls underground into a bunker where the police were sure he was hiding. Producer: Sarah Bowen Lord Lucan vanishes in the hour after the murder. But where did he go? When Lord Lucan decided to run from the scene of Sandra Rivett's murder, he triggered a question no-one has yet been able to answer. Where did he go? [LISTEN NOW]
06	The Lucan Obsession: The Golden Hour	20241104		With Sandra Rivett lying dead in the basement, Lucan must decide whether to face the police or run. And so begins the second mystery that has made this case so compelling. Where did Lucan go that night? Was he being sheltered by his friends who the police nicknamed The Eaton Square Mafia? Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the hours after the murder, asking whose version should we believe. She meets an eyewitness who says she was the last person to see Lucan alive, and crawls underground into a bunker where the police were sure he was hiding. Producer: Sarah Bowen Lord Lucan vanishes in the hour after the murder. But where did he go? When Lord Lucan decided to run from the scene of Sandra Rivett's murder, he triggered a question no-one has yet been able to answer. Where did he go? [LISTEN NOW]
07	The Investigation	20241105	20250824 (R4)	Police traipsed through 46 Lower Belgrave St on the night of Sandra Rivett's murder, but did they contaminate the evidence? The police files are still closed. Where there have been unanswered questions, enticing myths and conspiracies have filled the void. Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we can know of the investigation, trying to separate fact from fiction. She hears from two policemen who worked on the Lucan case and reassesses the forensics with an ex-Metropolitan Police detective. Stories emerge about close relations between the press and police and she wonders if booze, bribes and class deference may have obscured the truth. Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers How thorough was the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. With the police files still closed, Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder. A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
07	The Lucan Obsession : 7. The Investigation	20241105		Police traipsed through 46 Lower Belgrave St on the night of Sandra Rivett's murder, but did they contaminate the evidence? The police files are still closed. Where there have been unanswered questions, enticing myths and conspiracies have filled the void. Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we can know of the investigation, trying to separate fact from fiction. She hears from two policemen who worked on the Lucan case and reassesses the forensics with an ex-Metropolitan Police detective. Stories emerge about close relations between the press and police and she wonders if booze, bribes and class deference may have obscured the truth. Producer: Sarah Bowen How thorough was the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder? With the police files still closed, Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder. [LISTEN NOW]
07	The Lucan Obsession: The Investigation	20241105		Police traipsed through 46 Lower Belgrave St on the night of Sandra Rivett's murder, but did they contaminate the evidence? The police files are still closed. Where there have been unanswered questions, enticing myths and conspiracies have filled the void. Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we can know of the investigation, trying to separate fact from fiction. She hears from two policemen who worked on the Lucan case and reassesses the forensics with an ex-Metropolitan Police detective. Stories emerge about close relations between the press and police and she wonders if booze, bribes and class deference may have obscured the truth. Producer: Sarah Bowen How thorough was the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder? With the police files still closed, Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder. [LISTEN NOW]
08	Speculation And Suspicion	20241106	20250831 (R4)	The nation was spellbound by the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. For the press the story was a dream. A tale of the aristocracy, gambling, debt and murder was a welcome relief in an era of shortages and strikes. They salivated over the grim details. Alex von Tunzelmann hears how inquest became a trial, supercharging our obsession with this case. And she wonders if we can take his guilt as fact when she hears a never before broadcast recording of an interview of Lady Lucan and an incriminating new story from a policeman. Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers The nation is gripped by the press coverage of the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. The press pour over every lurid detail in the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death and the nation is enthralled. Will Lord Lucan be found guilty of murder? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
08	The Lucan Obsession: 8. Speculation And Suspicion	20241106		The nation was spellbound by the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. For the press the story was a dream. A tale of the aristocracy, gambling, debt and murder was a welcome relief in an era of shortages and strikes. They salivated over the grim details. Alex von Tunzelmann hears how inquest became a trial, supercharging our obsession with this case. And she wonders if we can take his guilt as fact when she hears a never before broadcast recording of an interview of Lady Lucan and an incriminating new story from a policeman. Producer: Sarah Bowen The nation is gripped by the press coverage of the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. The press pour over every lurid detail in the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death and the nation is enthralled. Will Lord Lucan be found guilty of murder? [LISTEN NOW]
08	The Lucan Obsession: Speculation And Suspicion	20241106		The nation was spellbound by the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. For the press the story was a dream. A tale of the aristocracy, gambling, debt and murder was a welcome relief in an era of shortages and strikes. They salivated over the grim details. Alex von Tunzelmann hears how inquest became a trial, supercharging our obsession with this case. And she wonders if we can take his guilt as fact when she hears a never before broadcast recording of an interview of Lady Lucan and an incriminating new story from a policeman. Producer: Sarah Bowen The nation is gripped by the press coverage of the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. The press pour over every lurid detail in the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death and the nation is enthralled. Will Lord Lucan be found guilty of murder? [LISTEN NOW]
09	A Race Across The World	20241107	20250907 (R4)	Our interest in Lord Lucan could have petered out after the inquest. But people start to spot him all over the world. Could he really have escaped the UK? Alex von Tunzelmann explores what role this idea plays in our fixation with the Lucan case. She hears how the media kept the story going, inventing sightings for copy and jollies abroad. People admit to elaborate hoaxes and blatantly fabricating stories. But should we dismiss the idea? Alex finds one story from a closed police file that completely bowls her over. Producer: Sarah Bowen Did Lord Lucan escape from the UK? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. Lord Lucan had friends who could have helped him escape and a plethora of contacts around the world. But how realistic is it that he crossed the Channel and built a new life? [LISTEN NOW]
09	The Lucan Obsession : 9. A Race Across The World	20241107		Our interest in Lord Lucan could have petered out after the inquest. But people start to spot him all over the world. Could he really have escaped the UK? Alex von Tunzelmann explores what role this idea plays in our fixation with the Lucan case. She hears how the media kept the story going, inventing sightings for copy and jollies abroad. People admit to elaborate hoaxes and blatantly fabricating stories. But should we dismiss the idea? Alex finds one story from a closed police file that completely bowls her over. Producer: Sarah Bowen Did Lord Lucan escape from the UK? Lord Lucan had friends who could have helped him escape and a plethora of contacts around the world. But how realistic is it that he crossed the Channel and built a new life? [LISTEN NOW]
09	The Lucan Obsession: A Race Across The World	20241107		Our interest in Lord Lucan could have petered out after the inquest. But people start to spot him all over the world. Could he really have escaped the UK? Alex von Tunzelmann explores what role this idea plays in our fixation with the Lucan case. She hears how the media kept the story going, inventing sightings for copy and jollies abroad. People admit to elaborate hoaxes and blatantly fabricating stories. But should we dismiss the idea? Alex finds one story from a closed police file that completely bowls her over. Producer: Sarah Bowen Did Lord Lucan escape from the UK? Lord Lucan had friends who could have helped him escape and a plethora of contacts around the world. But how realistic is it that he crossed the Channel and built a new life? [LISTEN NOW]
10	The Final Act?	20241108	20250914 (R4)	Alex trawls through Lord Lucan's belongings from his speedily abandoned flat. She finds incriminating books where he's torn out pages on how to kill your wife, and is taken aback by photos that make her reconsider the story. She draws together what makes this a compelling crime, and asks what would give it the perfect ending. And in a remarkable interview with a former Met Police Detective, she discovers that we could perhaps get an answer to one of the two mysteries tomorrow. Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Content Producer: Becca Bryers Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Will Alex find an ending to the story of Lord Lucan? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. The Lord Lucan case has gripped us because we just couldn't find an end to the story. But Alex finds she is one step away from an answer. [LISTEN NOW]
10	The Lucan Obsession : 10. The Final Act?	20241108		Alex trawls through Lord Lucan's belongings from his speedily abandoned flat. She finds incriminating books where he's torn out pages on how to kill your wife, and is taken aback by photos that make her reconsider the story. She draws together what makes this a compelling crime, and asks what would give it the perfect ending. And in a remarkable interview with a former Met Police Detective, she discovers that we could perhaps get an answer to one of the two mysteries tomorrow. Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Content Producer: Becca Bryers Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Will Alex find an ending to the story of Lord Lucan? The Lord Lucan case has gripped us because we just couldn't find an end to the story. But Alex finds she is one step away from an answer. [LISTEN NOW]
10	The Lucan Obsession: The Final Act?	20241108		Alex trawls through Lord Lucan's belongings from his speedily abandoned flat. She finds incriminating books where he's torn out pages on how to kill your wife, and is taken aback by photos that make her reconsider the story. She draws together what makes this a compelling crime, and asks what would give it the perfect ending. And in a remarkable interview with a former Met Police Detective, she discovers that we could perhaps get an answer to one of the two mysteries tomorrow. Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Content Producer: Becca Bryers Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Will Alex find an ending to the story of Lord Lucan? The Lord Lucan case has gripped us because we just couldn't find an end to the story. But Alex finds she is one step away from an answer. [LISTEN NOW]

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	The Double Mystery	20241028	20250713 (R4)	One winter's night, 50 years ago, a crime took place that obsessed the nation. Lord Lucan is said to have killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished. Newspapers ran wild with lurid detail and it became a story hardwired into British culture. Why did this case capture the British imagination, and spark one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th Century? Historian Alex von Tunzelmann unpacks the story of our obsession, taking us into a dizzying world of high stakes gambling and exclusive London clubs, powerboat racing and pet tigers. It's also a dark realm of bankruptcy, gaslighting and stalking, and at its heart, a story with a violent and very tragic death. Across the series she investigates the two mysteries at the centre of this story: was Lord Lucan the murder, and where on earth did he go? Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex finds herself in a hall of mirrors where truth and lies distort themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin? As she tries to get to the bottom of this case, she meets eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go. She unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together fragments of a legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power. Series contributors: Algy Cluff, Pierrette Goletto and Mandy Parks Journalists: Bob Strange and James Fox Author: Laura Thompson Crime writer: Claire McGowan Police: Geoff Lewry, Richard Swarbrick and Jackie Malton UK Missing Persons Unit: Louise Newell Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers There were hundreds of deaths in 1974 but the story of Lord Lucan gripped the nation. Why? The case of Lord Lucan is legendary. Why does this, of all horrific murders from the last century, still resonate today? Lord Lucan killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished. She tries to get to the bottom of this case, meeting eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go. Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex discovers a hall of mirrors where truth and lies have distorted themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin? As the stories and conspiracies swirl around her, Alex herself gets caught up in the Lucan obsession. Across the series she unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together the fragments of the legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power. [LISTEN NOW] One winter's night, 50 years ago, a crime took place that obsessed the nation. Lord Lucan is said to have killed the family nanny, attacked his wife and vanished. Newspapers ran wild with lurid detail and it became a story hardwired into British culture. Why did this case capture the British imagination, and spark one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th Century? Historian Alex von Tunzelmann unpacks the story of our obsession, taking us into a dizzying world of high stakes gambling and exclusive London clubs, powerboat racing and pet tigers. It's also a dark realm of bankruptcy, gaslighting and stalking, and at its heart, a story with a violent and very tragic death. Across the series she investigates the two mysteries at the centre of this story: was Lord Lucan the murder, and where on earth did he go? Told and retold, the facts of the Lucan story have got lost. Alex finds herself in a hall of mirrors where truth and lies distort themselves into new myths and new mysteries. Was the truth obscured by booze and backhanders, class deference and journalist spin? As she tries to get to the bottom of this case, she meets eyewitnesses from the '70s, people caught up in the crime, and those who just can't let it go. She unearths long forgotten tapes and letters, piecing together fragments of a legend to discover why the Lucan myth still holds such power. Series contributors: Algy Cluff, Pierrette Goletto and Mandy Parks Journalists: Bob Strange and James Fox Author: Laura Thompson Crime writer: Claire McGowan Police: Geoff Lewry, Richard Swarbrick and Jackie Malton UK Missing Persons Unit: Louise Newell Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers There were hundreds of deaths in 1974 but the story of Lord Lucan gripped the nation. Why? Reading his great-grandfather's memoir, Joe Dunthorne discovers a disturbing confession. The case of Lord Lucan is legendary. Why does this, of all horrific murders from the last century, still resonate today? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan. [LISTEN NOW]
02	Death In Belgravia	20241029	20250720 (R4)	What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen What really happened on the night of 7 November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Reading his great-grandfather's memoir, Joe Dunthorne discovers a disturbing confession. How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan. [LISTEN NOW] What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen What really happened on the night of 7 November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? [LISTEN NOW]
02	The Lucan Obsession: 2. Death In Belgravia	20241029		What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? [LISTEN NOW]
02	The Lucan Obsession: Death In Belgravia	20241029		What really happened on the night of 7th November 1974 when Sandra Rivett was murdered? Young reporter Bob Strange sneaked into the hallway at the Lucan's house in Belgravia. The police burst in trampling through the crime scene. The evidence of the Lucan case is murky. There are many versions that contradict themselves. Lord Lucan says something entirely different happened. Who should we believe? And how do the mysteries surrounding that night, drive our obsession with this case? Producer: Sarah Bowen How does the murky evidence about the night of Sandra Rivett's death drive our obsession with this case? [LISTEN NOW]
03	Lucky Lucan	20241030	20250727 (R4)	Lord Lucan raced powerboats through the English Channel, drove an Aston Martin around the Grand Canyon and completed the Cresta Run at Saint-Moritz. Throwing himself into gambling, he was nicknamed Lucky. With slicked back hair, charm, style and humour, he was remarkably striking. But underneath this image there was a very different man. Alex hears from friends, biographers and someone who lived in the Lucan household to ask who really was Lord Lucan? Was he the vicious, violent and dangerous murderer of Sandra Rivett or was this a myth it was seductive to believe? Producer: Sarah Bowen Who really was Lord Lucan behind that charming fa\u00e7ade? Reading his great-grandfather's memoir, Joe Dunthorne discovers a disturbing confession. Lord Lucan was fun, fearless and strikingly good looking. But was he also racist, obsessive and a violent murderer? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan. Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. [LISTEN NOW]
03	The Lucan Obsession: 3. Lucky Lucan	20241030		Lord Lucan raced powerboats through the English Channel, drove an Aston Martin around the Grand Canyon and completed the Cresta Run at Saint-Moritz. Throwing himself into gambling, he was nicknamed Lucky. With slicked back hair, charm, style and humour, he was remarkably striking. But underneath this image there was a very different man. Alex hears from friends, biographers and someone who lived in the Lucan household to ask who really was Lord Lucan? Was he the vicious, violent and dangerous murderer of Sandra Rivett or was this a myth it was seductive to believe? Producer: Sarah Bowen Who really was Lord Lucan behind that charming fa\u00e7ade? Lord Lucan was fun, fearless and strikingly good looking. But was he also racist, obsessive and a violent murderer? [LISTEN NOW]
03	The Lucan Obsession: Lucky Lucan	20241030		Lord Lucan raced powerboats through the English Channel, drove an Aston Martin around the Grand Canyon and completed the Cresta Run at Saint-Moritz. Throwing himself into gambling, he was nicknamed Lucky. With slicked back hair, charm, style and humour, he was remarkably striking. But underneath this image there was a very different man. Alex hears from friends, biographers and someone who lived in the Lucan household to ask who really was Lord Lucan? Was he the vicious, violent and dangerous murderer of Sandra Rivett or was this a myth it was seductive to believe? Producer: Sarah Bowen Who really was Lord Lucan behind that charming fa\u00e7ade? Lord Lucan was fun, fearless and strikingly good looking. But was he also racist, obsessive and a violent murderer? [LISTEN NOW]
04	Searching For Lady Lucan	20241031	20250803 (R4)	The press portrayed Lady Lucan as a perfect victim: a tiny, fragile woman, attacked by a cruel and vengeful man. Lord Lucan's friends said she was a volatile, difficult snob. She is certainly enigmatic and intriguing. With access to never before broadcast tapes, Alex von Tunzlemann looks for the truth behind the stories of the Countess and explores how her image emerged. Producer: Sarah Bowen Despite all the press attention, Lady Lucan remained enigmatic. Who was she really? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. Was Lady Lucan simply an innocent victim of a hideous crime or have we underestimated her when gripped by the story of the Lucan case? [LISTEN NOW]
04	The Lucan Obsession: 4. Searching For Lady Lucan	20241031		The press portrayed Lady Lucan as a perfect victim: a tiny, fragile woman, attacked by a cruel and vengeful man. Lord Lucan's friends said she was a volatile, difficult snob. She is certainly enigmatic and intriguing. With access to never before broadcast tapes, Alex von Tunzlemann looks for the truth behind the stories of the Countess and explores how her image emerged. Producer: Sarah Bowen Despite all the press attention, Lady Lucan remained enigmatic. Who was she really? Was Lady Lucan simply an innocent victim of a hideous crime or have we underestimated her when gripped by the story of the Lucan case? [LISTEN NOW]
04	The Lucan Obsession: Searching For Lady Lucan	20241031		The press portrayed Lady Lucan as a perfect victim: a tiny, fragile woman, attacked by a cruel and vengeful man. Lord Lucan's friends said she was a volatile, difficult snob. She is certainly enigmatic and intriguing. With access to never before broadcast tapes, Alex von Tunzlemann looks for the truth behind the stories of the Countess and explores how her image emerged. Producer: Sarah Bowen Despite all the press attention, Lady Lucan remained enigmatic. Who was she really? Was Lady Lucan simply an innocent victim of a hideous crime or have we underestimated her when gripped by the story of the Lucan case? [LISTEN NOW]
05	The Lucan Obsession: 5. The Tinderbox House	20241101		Many relationships have tricky patches, with couples struggling for money or over the children. But there's a spark in this story that takes us from the Lucan's glamorous society wedding to Sandra Rivett being murdered, Lady Lucan attacked and the children swept away. And it grips us. Alex von Tunzleman hunts for what triggers this story, delving through a box of Lucan's possessions not seen for decades. As she discovers cheque stubs, invoices and letters from the bank, she sees the reality of what life was like behind the Lucan's veneer of respectability: a world of debt and alcohol, gaslighting, late night calls and stalking. Producer: Sarah Bowen What is going on behind the fa\u00e7ade of the Lucan's Belgravia home that ignites this story? Staggering gambling debts, a humiliating custody battle and a brewing a hatred. Behind the doors of 46 Lower Belgrave St, the story is about to explode. [LISTEN NOW]
05	The Lucan Obsession: The Tinderbox House	20241101		Many relationships have tricky patches, with couples struggling for money or over the children. But there's a spark in this story that takes us from the Lucan's glamorous society wedding to Sandra Rivett being murdered, Lady Lucan attacked and the children swept away. And it grips us. Alex von Tunzleman hunts for what triggers this story, delving through a box of Lucan's possessions not seen for decades. As she discovers cheque stubs, invoices and letters from the bank, she sees the reality of what life was like behind the Lucan's veneer of respectability: a world of debt and alcohol, gaslighting, late night calls and stalking. Producer: Sarah Bowen What is going on behind the fa\u00e7ade of the Lucan's Belgravia home that ignites this story? Staggering gambling debts, a humiliating custody battle and a brewing a hatred. Behind the doors of 46 Lower Belgrave St, the story is about to explode. [LISTEN NOW]
05	The Tinderbox House	20241101	20250810 (R4)	Many relationships have tricky patches, with couples struggling for money or over the children. But there's a spark in this story that takes us from the Lucan's glamorous society wedding to Sandra Rivett being murdered, Lady Lucan attacked and the children swept away. And it grips us. Alex von Tunzleman hunts for what triggers this story, delving through a box of Lucan's possessions not seen for decades. As she discovers cheque stubs, invoices and letters from the bank, she sees the reality of what life was like behind the Lucan's veneer of respectability: a world of debt and alcohol, gaslighting, late night calls and stalking. Producer: Sarah Bowen What is going on behind the fa\u00e7ade of the Lucan's Belgravia home that ignites this story? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. Staggering gambling debts, a humiliating custody battle and a brewing a hatred. Behind the doors of 46 Lower Belgrave St, the story is about to explode. A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
06	The Golden Hour	20241104	20250817 (R4)	With Sandra Rivett lying dead in the basement, Lucan must decide whether to face the police or run. And so begins the second mystery that has made this case so compelling. Where did Lucan go that night? Was he being sheltered by his friends who the police nicknamed The Eaton Square Mafia? Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the hours after the murder, asking whose version should we believe. She meets an eyewitness who says she was the last person to see Lucan alive, and crawls underground into a bunker where the police were sure he was hiding. Producer: Sarah Bowen Lord Lucan vanishes in the hour after the murder. But where did he go? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. When Lord Lucan decided to run from the scene of Sandra Rivett's murder, he triggered a question no-one has yet been able to answer. Where did he go? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
06	The Lucan Obsession: 6. The Golden Hour	20241104		With Sandra Rivett lying dead in the basement, Lucan must decide whether to face the police or run. And so begins the second mystery that has made this case so compelling. Where did Lucan go that night? Was he being sheltered by his friends who the police nicknamed The Eaton Square Mafia? Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the hours after the murder, asking whose version should we believe. She meets an eyewitness who says she was the last person to see Lucan alive, and crawls underground into a bunker where the police were sure he was hiding. Producer: Sarah Bowen Lord Lucan vanishes in the hour after the murder. But where did he go? When Lord Lucan decided to run from the scene of Sandra Rivett's murder, he triggered a question no-one has yet been able to answer. Where did he go? [LISTEN NOW]
06	The Lucan Obsession: The Golden Hour	20241104		With Sandra Rivett lying dead in the basement, Lucan must decide whether to face the police or run. And so begins the second mystery that has made this case so compelling. Where did Lucan go that night? Was he being sheltered by his friends who the police nicknamed The Eaton Square Mafia? Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the hours after the murder, asking whose version should we believe. She meets an eyewitness who says she was the last person to see Lucan alive, and crawls underground into a bunker where the police were sure he was hiding. Producer: Sarah Bowen Lord Lucan vanishes in the hour after the murder. But where did he go? When Lord Lucan decided to run from the scene of Sandra Rivett's murder, he triggered a question no-one has yet been able to answer. Where did he go? [LISTEN NOW]
07	The Investigation	20241105	20250824 (R4)	Police traipsed through 46 Lower Belgrave St on the night of Sandra Rivett's murder, but did they contaminate the evidence? The police files are still closed. Where there have been unanswered questions, enticing myths and conspiracies have filled the void. Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we can know of the investigation, trying to separate fact from fiction. She hears from two policemen who worked on the Lucan case and reassesses the forensics with an ex-Metropolitan Police detective. Stories emerge about close relations between the press and police and she wonders if booze, bribes and class deference may have obscured the truth. Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers How thorough was the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder? Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. With the police files still closed, Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder. A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
07	The Lucan Obsession : 7. The Investigation	20241105		Police traipsed through 46 Lower Belgrave St on the night of Sandra Rivett's murder, but did they contaminate the evidence? The police files are still closed. Where there have been unanswered questions, enticing myths and conspiracies have filled the void. Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we can know of the investigation, trying to separate fact from fiction. She hears from two policemen who worked on the Lucan case and reassesses the forensics with an ex-Metropolitan Police detective. Stories emerge about close relations between the press and police and she wonders if booze, bribes and class deference may have obscured the truth. Producer: Sarah Bowen How thorough was the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder? With the police files still closed, Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder. [LISTEN NOW]
07	The Lucan Obsession: The Investigation	20241105		Police traipsed through 46 Lower Belgrave St on the night of Sandra Rivett's murder, but did they contaminate the evidence? The police files are still closed. Where there have been unanswered questions, enticing myths and conspiracies have filled the void. Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we can know of the investigation, trying to separate fact from fiction. She hears from two policemen who worked on the Lucan case and reassesses the forensics with an ex-Metropolitan Police detective. Stories emerge about close relations between the press and police and she wonders if booze, bribes and class deference may have obscured the truth. Producer: Sarah Bowen How thorough was the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder? With the police files still closed, Alex von Tunzelmann pieces together what we know of the investigation into Sandra Rivett's murder. [LISTEN NOW]
08	Speculation And Suspicion	20241106	20250831 (R4)	The nation was spellbound by the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. For the press the story was a dream. A tale of the aristocracy, gambling, debt and murder was a welcome relief in an era of shortages and strikes. They salivated over the grim details. Alex von Tunzelmann hears how inquest became a trial, supercharging our obsession with this case. And she wonders if we can take his guilt as fact when she hears a never before broadcast recording of an interview of Lady Lucan and an incriminating new story from a policeman. Producer: Sarah Bowen Content Producer: Becca Bryers The nation is gripped by the press coverage of the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death Kavita Puri tells the story of Britain's war against Japan in WW2. The press pour over every lurid detail in the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death and the nation is enthralled. Will Lord Lucan be found guilty of murder? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. [LISTEN NOW]
08	The Lucan Obsession: 8. Speculation And Suspicion	20241106		The nation was spellbound by the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. For the press the story was a dream. A tale of the aristocracy, gambling, debt and murder was a welcome relief in an era of shortages and strikes. They salivated over the grim details. Alex von Tunzelmann hears how inquest became a trial, supercharging our obsession with this case. And she wonders if we can take his guilt as fact when she hears a never before broadcast recording of an interview of Lady Lucan and an incriminating new story from a policeman. Producer: Sarah Bowen The nation is gripped by the press coverage of the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. The press pour over every lurid detail in the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death and the nation is enthralled. Will Lord Lucan be found guilty of murder? [LISTEN NOW]
08	The Lucan Obsession: Speculation And Suspicion	20241106		The nation was spellbound by the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. For the press the story was a dream. A tale of the aristocracy, gambling, debt and murder was a welcome relief in an era of shortages and strikes. They salivated over the grim details. Alex von Tunzelmann hears how inquest became a trial, supercharging our obsession with this case. And she wonders if we can take his guilt as fact when she hears a never before broadcast recording of an interview of Lady Lucan and an incriminating new story from a policeman. Producer: Sarah Bowen The nation is gripped by the press coverage of the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death. The press pour over every lurid detail in the inquest into Sandra Rivett's death and the nation is enthralled. Will Lord Lucan be found guilty of murder? [LISTEN NOW]
09	A Race Across The World	20241107	20250907 (R4)	Our interest in Lord Lucan could have petered out after the inquest. But people start to spot him all over the world. Could he really have escaped the UK? Alex von Tunzelmann explores what role this idea plays in our fixation with the Lucan case. She hears how the media kept the story going, inventing sightings for copy and jollies abroad. People admit to elaborate hoaxes and blatantly fabricating stories. But should we dismiss the idea? Alex finds one story from a closed police file that completely bowls her over. Producer: Sarah Bowen Did Lord Lucan escape from the UK? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. Lord Lucan had friends who could have helped him escape and a plethora of contacts around the world. But how realistic is it that he crossed the Channel and built a new life? [LISTEN NOW]
09	The Lucan Obsession : 9. A Race Across The World	20241107		Our interest in Lord Lucan could have petered out after the inquest. But people start to spot him all over the world. Could he really have escaped the UK? Alex von Tunzelmann explores what role this idea plays in our fixation with the Lucan case. She hears how the media kept the story going, inventing sightings for copy and jollies abroad. People admit to elaborate hoaxes and blatantly fabricating stories. But should we dismiss the idea? Alex finds one story from a closed police file that completely bowls her over. Producer: Sarah Bowen Did Lord Lucan escape from the UK? Lord Lucan had friends who could have helped him escape and a plethora of contacts around the world. But how realistic is it that he crossed the Channel and built a new life? [LISTEN NOW]
09	The Lucan Obsession: A Race Across The World	20241107		Our interest in Lord Lucan could have petered out after the inquest. But people start to spot him all over the world. Could he really have escaped the UK? Alex von Tunzelmann explores what role this idea plays in our fixation with the Lucan case. She hears how the media kept the story going, inventing sightings for copy and jollies abroad. People admit to elaborate hoaxes and blatantly fabricating stories. But should we dismiss the idea? Alex finds one story from a closed police file that completely bowls her over. Producer: Sarah Bowen Did Lord Lucan escape from the UK? Lord Lucan had friends who could have helped him escape and a plethora of contacts around the world. But how realistic is it that he crossed the Channel and built a new life? [LISTEN NOW]
10	The Final Act?	20241108	20250914 (R4)	Alex trawls through Lord Lucan's belongings from his speedily abandoned flat. She finds incriminating books where he's torn out pages on how to kill your wife, and is taken aback by photos that make her reconsider the story. She draws together what makes this a compelling crime, and asks what would give it the perfect ending. And in a remarkable interview with a former Met Police Detective, she discovers that we could perhaps get an answer to one of the two mysteries tomorrow. Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Content Producer: Becca Bryers Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Will Alex find an ending to the story of Lord Lucan? A mission gone wrong. A daring rescue attempt. Told by the soldiers who were there. The Lord Lucan case has gripped us because we just couldn't find an end to the story. But Alex finds she is one step away from an answer. [LISTEN NOW]
10	The Lucan Obsession : 10. The Final Act?	20241108		Alex trawls through Lord Lucan's belongings from his speedily abandoned flat. She finds incriminating books where he's torn out pages on how to kill your wife, and is taken aback by photos that make her reconsider the story. She draws together what makes this a compelling crime, and asks what would give it the perfect ending. And in a remarkable interview with a former Met Police Detective, she discovers that we could perhaps get an answer to one of the two mysteries tomorrow. Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Content Producer: Becca Bryers Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Will Alex find an ending to the story of Lord Lucan? The Lord Lucan case has gripped us because we just couldn't find an end to the story. But Alex finds she is one step away from an answer. [LISTEN NOW]
10	The Lucan Obsession: The Final Act?	20241108		Alex trawls through Lord Lucan's belongings from his speedily abandoned flat. She finds incriminating books where he's torn out pages on how to kill your wife, and is taken aback by photos that make her reconsider the story. She draws together what makes this a compelling crime, and asks what would give it the perfect ending. And in a remarkable interview with a former Met Police Detective, she discovers that we could perhaps get an answer to one of the two mysteries tomorrow. Presenter: Alex von Tunzelmann Content Producer: Becca Bryers Series Producer: Sarah Bowen Will Alex find an ending to the story of Lord Lucan? The Lord Lucan case has gripped us because we just couldn't find an end to the story. But Alex finds she is one step away from an answer. [LISTEN NOW]

The Lucan Obsession [The History Podcast]

Episodes