73. The Kidnapped Duke

Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling

BBC

Comedy, True Crime

4.3 • 757 Ratings

🗓️ 19 May 2025

⏱️ 38 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Iain takes us back to the swinging 60s to revisit the theft of a portrait that had been hanging in London’s National Gallery for just 19 days before it vanished.

At first, no one believes it’s been stolen – but when a handwritten ransom note arrives, detectives are forced to take the case seriously.

Iain uncovers how this case baffled police for years and eventually ended up inspiring a film starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren!

Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling is available twice a week on BBC Sounds. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Got a case or story for us? Email [email protected].

Transcript

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0:00.0	August 31st, 2018.
0:04.4	It's just before seven when the doorbell rings.
0:07.9	Immediately, I know there's something wrong.
0:10.6	The day I've been dreading has finally arrived.
0:13.7	Two things could be about to happen.
0:15.8	I'm going to be arrested or I'm going to be shot dead.
0:19.1	The true story of illegal surveillance, state secrets and six unsolved murders in Northern Ireland.
0:26.1	It has changed our lives.
0:28.4	Nothing ever will be the same.
0:30.6	Assume nothing, the hack.
0:32.5	Listen first on BBC Sounds.
0:36.1	BBC Sounds, music, Radio, Podcasts.
0:39.9	Hello, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to yet another episode of this award-winning,
0:46.6	open brackets.
0:48.0	Almost not, it will happen eventually.
0:50.0	Award nominated.
0:51.1	Award-nominated show, yes, we have been nominated for an Oscar
0:55.3	and we'd like to thank everyone for the continued support.
0:58.5	Don't think podcasts are in the Oscars yet, Ian.
1:00.2	Well, they phoned me up and they said,
1:02.0	we're changing the rules.
1:02.8	We've listened to your podcasts
	...

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