HISTORY TALK: JOHN REG CHRISTIE & HALIFAX’S DARK CRIMES
A chilling true crime history talk told by notable Calderdale historian David Glover.
Tuesday 8th September
Holdsworth House Hotel, Halifax
Tickets: £15 per person
Probably themost notorious mass-murderer born in Halifax, John Reg Christie came from a respectable family, and married a local girl. Convicted of petty crime, in shame he left Halifax for London. Moving into 10 Rillington Place, during the War he began a covert murderous career, his victims: women. His interaction with Timothy Evans is legendary, but did Reg kill Mrs Evans and her daughter? In 1953, it was to be the killing of Ethel Simpson from Halifax for which Reg was tried and hanged. A gripping, very dark tale.
JOHN REGINALD HALLIDAY CHRISTIE
Historian David Glover (pictured) reveals the true story of the most notorious mass-murderer born in Halifax. Reg Christie’s story is as disturbing as it is compelling.
Born into a seemingly respectable local family, Christie married a Halifax woman before a series of petty crimes and personal shame led him to leave the town behind for London. It was there, at 10 Rillington Place, that his life took a far darker turn.
During the Second World War and beyond, Christie began a covert killing spree, targeting vulnerable women and concealing his crimes with chilling calculation.
His connection to Timothy Evans remains one of Britain’s most debated criminal cases. Did Christie murder Evans’ wife and child, or was justice tragically misdirected?
In 1953, it was the murder of Halifax woman Ethel Simpson that ultimately led to Christie’s arrest, trial and execution. By then, the full horror of his crimes was beginning to emerge.
This gripping talk explores the life, crimes and legacy of a killer whose story shocked the nation—and continues to raise questions to this day.
EVENING SCHEDULE
6.30pm – Part One
7.05pm – Interval (30 minutes, bar open)
7.35pm – Part Two
8.30pm – Event close
Enjoy Dinner Before the Talk
Our history event dinner menus are proving very popular but spaces are limited. Book a table before the show and get two delicious course dinner for £25 per person. Tables are available from 4.00pm. Menu to be released soon.
If you're travelling a distance and want to book a stay, our Best Available Rate is guaranteed on our website.
WHY ATTEND the john christie HISTORY TALK?
Hear the powerful, true crime story with its roots in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Learn about one of Britain’s most infamous criminal cases.
Explore the mystery surrounding the case of lorry driver Timothy Evans (Welsh lorry driver who was accused of murdering his wife and infant daughter).
An atmospheric evening in historic surroundings of Holdsworth House.
Event terms:
Full prepayment is required at the time of booking. In the unlikely event that the evening is cancelled by Holdsworth House, all payments will be fully refunded. Tickets are otherwise non-refundable but may be transferred to another guest. Tickets cannot be exchanged for cash or credit.
Please note that this event may be recorded for promotional or online use. If you do not wish to appear in any recordings, please email info@holdsworthhouse.co.uk in advance.
