DARLINGTON DETECTIVE TRAIL SOLUTION
*** PLEASE NOTE - THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE DARLINGTON DETECTIVE TRAIL - PROCEED WITH CAUTION! ***
THE MISSION
Darlington, famed for being home to the world's first public steam locomotive railway, is typically a peaceful market town on the banks of the River Skerne. However, one Sunday, this County Durham town was rocked to its core, when a popular local resident was brutally killed as he made his way home.
But where in Darlington did this crime take place? What year did this wicked event occur? And, most importantly, who committed this deadly deed?
Darlington, famed for being home to the world's first public steam locomotive railway, is typically a peaceful market town on the banks of the River Skerne. However, one Sunday, this County Durham town was rocked to its core, when a popular local resident was brutally killed as he made his way home.
But where in Darlington did this crime take place? What year did this wicked event occur? And, most importantly, who committed this deadly deed?
THE CRIME
On Easter Sunday, 1875, a violent attack on John Kilcran took place in Darlington. Kilcran, an Irish Catholic, was said to have been set upon by members of a rival gang in a case of revenge, secret societies and murder.
The father-of-four was brutally attacked in the Parkgate area of Darlington - Kilcran was carried home but later died from his injuries. However, before he passed away, he named the culprit who he believed struck the fatal blow... fellow Irish immigrant Michael Gilligan. |
Despite professing his innocence, Michael Gilligan was executed in Durham jail, leaving behind wife Elizabeth and two young children.
Today, several generations later, Gilligan's ancestors are out to prove that the whole affair was a case of mistaken identity, with tainted witnesses and dubious motives. Their quest to clear his name continues...
Today, several generations later, Gilligan's ancestors are out to prove that the whole affair was a case of mistaken identity, with tainted witnesses and dubious motives. Their quest to clear his name continues...
THE SOLUTION
CULPRIT : Gilligan
YEAR : 1875
LOCATION: Parkgate
CULPRIT : Gilligan
YEAR : 1875
LOCATION: Parkgate