The Graffiti That Wouldn’t Die: Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?
In 1943, a woman’s body was discovered inside a wych elm tree in Hagley Wood. Her identity was never confirmed. But what truly haunted the case was the graffiti: “Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?” It began appearing soon after the body was found and reappeared for decades.
The Bella mystery is more than a murder. It’s a cultural ghost story. From theories of Nazi espionage to occult rituals, every angle leaves chilling gaps. But one thing remained constant: the graffiti. It resurfaced on walls and obelisks, sometimes altered, sometimes exact—like a whisper from the grave refusing to be forgotten. Who wrote it? Was it someone with knowledge of the crime? Or just a public haunted by Bella’s silence?
In Murder in the Wych Elm, we explore this eerie phenomenon alongside the forensics, folklore, and theories that have kept Bella’s story alive for 80 years.
Want more strange stories from Britain’s shadowy corners?
Follow our podcast and explore the archives at https://peculiarbritain.wordpress.com – where folklore gets fierce.
Peculiar Britain: Odd Crimes & Bizarre Mysteries
Delve into the unsettling, the unexplained, and the downright peculiar side of English history on Peculiar Britain: Odd Crimes & Bizarre Mysteries. Each episode unearths a new story from the dark and twisty corners of England—think strange heists, baffling murders, quirky local legends, and unsolved mysteries that defy reason. Join our host every week as we peel back the layers of these captivating cases, exploring the historical context, the theories, and the enduring intrigue behind each tale. Whether you’re a fan of true crime, fascinated by weird trivia, or simply crave a glimpse into England’s most unusual happenings, Peculiar Britain serves up a healthy dose of the curious and the macabre. Tune in to satisfy your itch for all things strange and spine-chilling!
- No. of episodes: 8
- Latest episode: 2025-06-24
- History True Crime
Where can you listen?
