Broken promises, broken hearts, and a heart-wrenching horrifying scene.

This is what greeted young Bertrand Shaw when he opened the door to his home on St. Paul's

Road in Camden Town.

He was early morning on September 12, 1907, and Bertrand had just come home from his

night shift at Midland Railway as a dining car cook.

Bertrand lived with his girlfriend Phyllis, and they were in a happy relationship.

So happy that he had been planning to introduce Phyllis to his mother, it would be perfect.

She was due to arrive on the 12th of the month, while Bert was still at work, but it

wouldn't be a problem, since Phyllis would be home to receive her.

Bert was definitely anxious that he wouldn't be there for the first meeting, but it didn't

overshadow the importance of this moment.

They might finally marry, perhaps have children, and lead their happily ever after.

But there were things Bertrand did not know, whether he chose never to learn them for the

sake of forthcoming marital bliss, or he truly had no idea would be immaterial.

The story would haunt him, nonetheless.

Our story begins with Phyllis.

Phyllis was actually Emily Elizabeth Demick, and she was born in the herfershired village

of Standon in 1884.

Her father was William Demick, and he ran the local pub called Red Lion.

As the youngest in a family of 15 children, money was always tight.

For that reason, William expected his children to start working as early as they could, and

help contribute to the household.

...