In this episode, Tom shares the remarkable story of Violet van der Elst, an almost forgotten yet incredibly influential British campaigner against capital punishment. Stumbling upon her name while researching the Ruxton murders, Tom discovered Violet's enduring fight against the death penalty, motivated by her strong belief in the sanctity of life as guided by her religious convictions. Born into poverty, Violet's journey from a maid to a successful entrepreneur who invented the first brushless shaving soap, Shavex, is nothing short of inspiring. Despite her wealth, Violet directed her resources and energy into her anti-death penalty crusade, challenging authorities and organising impactful protests. Tom draws parallels between Violet's effective methods and modern-day protests, highlighting how her respectful direct actions contrasted with disruptive tactics seen today. He suggests that her determination and strategic approach offer lessons for contemporary movements. Violet lived to see the abolition of the death penalty in the UK but was largely unrecognised for her efforts, an oversight Tom seeks to rectify by bringing her story back into the light.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.