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Lydia Rose
Lydia Louisa Rose, a friend of Ethel Le Neve, was born in Hackney, London in 1885, and she signed a Deposition which appears as number 33 among others in TNA: CRIM 1/117. It was undated and was never introduced into Evidence which probably accounts for it having been generally overlooked.
Lydia Rose, servant, 17 Hampstead Hill Gardens, on oath says:
I have known Ethel Le Neve and her parents practically all my life. I have always been on friendly terms with Ethel but I have not seen her for the past 12 months or so1.
About Christmas last, she told me she was engaged but did not say to whom and I did not ask her. I have seen her twice since. About the second week of March I had a typewritten letter from her saying:
You will be surprised to hear I was married last Saturday about 12th March 1910.
(Signed) Eth Crippen
About Easter, I received a post card from Ethel from Dieppe signed 'Eth'.
Since then I have been to see her at 39 Hilldrop Crescent five times. The first time I was introduced to Dr. Crippen was at a Café in Wardour St. where Ethel and I had gone to dinner, the doctor came in the Café just afterwards and he was introduced by Ethel to me as her husband. The last time I saw her was Sunday 26th June at her house 39 Hilldrop Crescent.
About 4 years ago she told me that an actress came to see Dr Crippen at his office but she did not think he was married to her.
In February last, Ethel gave me a white feather boa, back (sic) imitation pearl hair combs a chain bag, an old blouse and a string of imitation pearl and gold beads.
Since then she has given me a white muff fur and hat, lace summer coat, small pink feather ruffle, one linen dress and belt, and a piece of chiffon.
On Saturday 9th July 1910, I received a letter from Ethel saying she was going away for a few days and asked me not to go to 39 Hilldrop Crescent as we had previously arranged to do and I have not heard from her since.
(Signed) Lydia Rose
Footnote
- No, this doesn't make sense. Presumably, she had meant also to say 'before last Christmas'. [back to the text]