THE Forest of Dean Local History Society will be hearing about a remarkable murder trial at its March meeting.

Dr John Carter Wood, author of the highly acclaimed "The Most Remarkable Woman in England", is going to talk about the trial of Beatrice Pace.

This true story of a Forest woman, on trial for her life in 1928 at Gloucester, is better than fiction. The trial was avidly followed nationwide.

In January 1928, Harry Pace, aged 36, died at his home at Quarry Hill, near Coleford, after two weeks of agonising stomach pain. He was a £2 a week quarryman, who ran a herd of sheep to supplement his income.

He left his wife, Beatrice, and five children. Harry's mother was suspicious and made accusations against Beatrice. As a result, a post mortem was held in Coleford and a large quantity of arsenic was found in his body.

This could have been there through imbibing sheep dip but, because he had been ill for some time, there was the possibility of foul play.

Harry's family told the police that Beatrice was "bad" and hinted at affairs with other men. The family had lived in extreme poverty. Beatrice was committed to trial in Gloucester and ugly truths began to appear about the marriage.

Harry had a violent reputation and had killed Beatrice's pet dog and made her miscarry when he beat her. She was represented by one of the best lawyers of the day and her plight was taken up by the papers and public as an icon of female suffering. She received hundreds of fan letters in prison.

Despite Harry's relatives, Beatrice was let free as there was reasonable doubt about her guilt. Harry may have killed himself.

The police handling of the case, before the trial, in which Beatrice was subjected to extreme pressure, was questioned and led to a Royal Commission. Beatrice lived a long life and moved from the Forest to Stroud.

The meeting will be on Saturday (March 9) at 3pm in West Dean Centre, Bream. All are welcome.