Background & context

• Julia Martha Thomas, widowed twice, lived alone at 2 Mayfield Cottages (aka 2 Vine Cottages) in Richmond.

• She employed Kate Webster, an Irish maid, who later was accused of murdering her.

Incident & key events

• Date: 2 May 1879 (murder occurred; trial followed). (the commonly cited year)

• Webster killed Julia Thomas, then dismembered her body and boiled parts to dispose of them.

• Webster left the skull separately; that skull was missing for many years until found in 2010 during building work.

  
  

Investigations / contradictions

• The skull was discovered in October 2010 and confirmed by forensic investigations.

• The case captivated Victorian press due to the gruesome nature and the class contrast (servant vs employer).

  
  

Outcome

• Kate Webster was tried, convicted, and hanged in 1879.

  
  

Aftermath

• The case remains one of the most notorious Victorian murder cases in London lore.

• The rediscovery of Thomas’s skull revived renewed public and forensic interest.