|
famoustrials
thomasmore
galileo
bounty
johnbrown
oscarwwilde
|
Old Bailey, the main courthouse in London, had never presented a
show quite like the three trials that captivated England and much of
the literary world in the spring of 1895. Celebrity, sex, witty
dialogue, political intrigue, surprising twists, and important
issues of art and morality.
The first serious problem for Wilde growing out of his
relationship of Douglas came when Douglas, still a student in
Oxford, gave an old suit to a down and out friend named Wood. Wood
discovered in a pocket of the suit letters written by Wilde to his
youthful friend. Wood extorted £35 from Wilde for return of most of
the compromising letters.
On April 3, 1895, the first trial of Oscar Wilde with Wilde in
this case cheering the prosecution--began at Old Bailey.
Queensberry, wearing a blue hunting stock, stood alone, hat in hand,
in front of the dock.
Edward Clarke followed Wilde's testimony with a powerful
summation on behalf of his client. Clarke closed by asking the jury
to "gratify those thousands of hopes that are hanging on your
decision" and "clear from this fearful imputation one of our most
renowned and accomplished men of letters of today and, in clearing
him, clear society from a stain."
Fourth Trial of Oscar Wilde, Oscar Wilde killed the thing he
loved. He killed himself. Jurors, do your duty and convict Oscar
Wilde of being responsible for his own downfall...
Famous Trials
Thomas More Galileo
Mutiny on the Bounty
John Brown
Oscar Wilde |
