Stuff You Should Know Who Put Bella In the Wych Elm?
12 snips
Feb 25, 2025 Dive into the chilling case of a woman discovered in a tree during WWII. Uncover the mystery of Bella's identity and the lore surrounding the investigation. Explore the bizarre connections to espionage and dubious individuals, like the intriguing Clara Bowerly. With a mix of humor and haunting details, the discussion contrasts speculative media narratives with historical truths. Enjoy a whimsical journey through myths, eerie folklore, and captivating murder mysteries that keep you guessing!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reporting the Skull
- The boys initially put the skull back to avoid trouble.
- However, 17-year-old Tommy Willits told his parents, leading to police involvement.
Initial Investigation Findings
- Pathologist James Webster concluded the death was likely a murder.
- Evidence included taffeta stuffed in the woman's jaw and the impossibility of the body fitting in the tree naturally.
Mysterious Graffiti
- Graffiti started appearing around Birmingham in 1944, a year after the body's discovery.
- The messages, "Hagley Wood Bella" and "Who put Bella down the witch elm," gave the victim a name.