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Today in History: Footman kills two, wounds lady at Knowsley Hall

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On the evening of 9 October 1952, 19-year-old trainee footman Harold Winstanley opened fire at Knowsley Hall, Merseyside, killing butler William Stallard and under-butler Douglas Stuart and wounding Lady Derby. After assaulting the chef, he fled to a pub, took a bus to Liverpool and surrendered. A jury found him guilty but legally insane, and he was committed to Broadmoor Hospital.

1 of 1

Story summary

On the evening of 9 October 1952, 19-year-old trainee footman Harold Winstanley opened fire at Knowsley Hall, Merseyside, killing butler William Stallard and under-butler Douglas Stuart and wounding Lady Derby. After assaulting the chef, he fled to a pub, took a bus to Liverpool and surrendered. A jury found him guilty but legally insane, and he was committed to Broadmoor Hospital.