The Murder at Road Hill House

Answer the questions regarding “Frome Times”, July 25th, 1860  (Article) and “The Murder at Road Hill House”. 

1. The paper gives a fairly detailed description of Constance Kent, what might be the significance of 

her physical appearance?

2. The paper mentions the possibility of mental illness in the family, why might this be important 

to readers, and what does it say about Victorian attitudes toward criminality?

3. The paper also dwells at length on the previous flight of Constance and William Kent to Bristol, 

especially on the fact that Constance cut her hair and dressed as a boy. How might Victorian 

attitudes toward gender roles have influenced the decision to include this episode, and what 

conclusions might audiences have drawn about Constance’s guilt from this?

4. What does the paper’s concern for mental illness and Constance’s behavior indicate about 

Victorian attitudes toward female criminality, how might this differ from attitudes toward male 

criminality? Do you believe Victorians had a gendered view of crime?

5. Does the paper seem convinced by Inspector Whicher’s arguments for arresting Constance 

Kent? Why might Whicher’s apparent lack of success so frustrate the press and the public?

6. How might gender biases in Victorian society sway the public’s attitude toward Constance’s 

guilt?