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Artwork for The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head

The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head

Ken Davies
Fred the Head
Michael Benedict
River Trent
LGBT Rights
Missing Persons
Homosexuality
John Jick
Burton
Police Investigation
Mental Health
Investigative Research
John Gick
1960s UK
Carmen Woodcock
Philip Darby
David Nathan
1971
Miss World
Super Recognizers
Stapen Hill

Fifty years ago, on March 26th 1971, the body of a young man was found in a secluded spot, an island in the River Trent with extremely limited access. He was buried in a kneeling position, naked except for socks and a wedding ring. His hands and ankles had been bound. So began one of the UK’s most baffling murder mysteries, a grisly crime that has remained unsolved to this day.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes60Founded5 years ago
Categories
HistoryTrue Crime

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head

Latest Episodes

The plot thickens - Why does a seemingly impossible thesis - keep surprising us. Suggesting there might be more to this case than meets the eye.

Links:

New Facebook Page

www.facebook.com/groups/fredtheheadpodcast/

Podcast Email

fredthehe... more

The research team have been hard at work for a few months now, and we've got a lot to report on.

But in the course of that research, something caught our eye - An unusual story that developed in Burton exactly a year before Fred was found....

Ever heard of super-recognisers - Well, it's a thing - people with exceptional ability to recognise people in a crowd - they are used by police and security services the world over - but what's that got to do with Fred?

Links:

Abigail's 2025 London... more

So, we have the perfect crime. The finance scandal of London in 1967, a faked death, a trusted accomplice leading police astray, a beauty queen, all culminating in a successful getaway.

They'd done it, Disappeared, never to be seen again.

Or so the... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Host

Ken Davies
Writer, narrator, and producer of the podcast, he is committed to exploring the complexities of unsolved crimes through meticulous research and engaging storytelling. Ken presents investigations with a passion for uncovering the truth and involving listeners in the process.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 943 ratings
  • A fantastic podcast

    I love a good podcast - and this one is good. Now, if you are not a detail-oriented person, this show may not be for you. It does not move quickly, but it moves deliberately. Ken Davis is a very talented investigator and the detail with which he pursues this story is downright impressive. It makes my morning walks go very quickly and the more leads he uncovers, the more fun this gets.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MacTheRick
    United States4 months ago
  • Fantastic true crime podcast!

    I’ve only recently discovered this podcast and was hooked right away. I thought I’d be listening to it for weeks but binged all 50 episodes and, sadly, I’ve come to the end (though perhaps there are more episodes to come). I love Ken’s affable, charming style, which helps him to connect with listeners and to get all sorts of people to talk to him. An amateur investigator, he is trying to solve the mystery of a man murdered in England in 1971, who has never been identified.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    josie729
    United Statesa year ago
  • so intriguing!

    A new listener this week, only up to episode 10 but hooked!!

    recommendation from Norwich based Gasbags podcast- thanks ladies!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Metalvampireant
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Excellent, love it ❤️

    I am traveling and love listening to this sorry unfold. Love the sound of your voice 😘 and the way you are telling/unraveling this fascinating tale.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    caadamm
    Australiaa year ago
  • Great Podcast

    I heard about this podcast on Bob Ruff’s Truth and Justice podcast. He had Ken Davies on the show recently to share his investigative journey to discover Fred’s identity. And what a story it is!!! I started on episode one and kept going. Ken’s style and skill at digging out details had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a GREAT listen for anyone who enjoys true crime and a good mystery. Looking forward to future episodes…..

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Maureen in CA
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback notes that the pacing can be slow, catering to an audience that appreciates thorough exploration over rapid conclusions. Others find the episodic nature makes it binge-worthy and addictive.
There is significant appreciation for the personal touch and authenticity of the host, which enhances listener connection and involvement in the unfolding investigation.
Listeners describe the content as meticulously researched and compelling, expressing a strong engagement with the investigative process.
The podcast is often praised for its captivating storytelling and detailed insights into cold cases, which resonates especially well with true crime aficionados.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 55 | Face to Face
Q: What impact do super recognizers have in investigations?
Super recognizers can be of great use in investigations, including assisting police and security services in identifying suspects through their unique facial recognition skills.
Episode 55 | Face to Face
Q: What is a super recognizer?
A super recognizer is someone who has an exceptional ability to recognize faces, well beyond normal capabilities, with specific validation processes to determine this ability.
Episode 53 | The Hive Mind
Q: How does the idea of social estrangement connect with the case of Fred the Head?
Social estrangement increases vulnerability, leaving individuals unclaimed if they go missing.
Episode 53 | The Hive Mind
Q: What happens to individuals who experience trauma from potential exposure of their sexuality?
They may exhibit erratic behavior and poor decision-making as a response to the acute stress of their situation.
Episode 53 | The Hive Mind
Q: Was it still a very difficult set of circumstances if you were a gay man at that time?
Yes, many men lived alternative lifestyles before acceptance, facing hardships like anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head

What is The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The podcast centers around a decades-old unsolved murder case involving a young man discovered in a perplexing scenario in the River Trent. Through detailed investigative storytelling, the host and a research team explore various leads, including potential missing persons from the time, interviews with experts, and insights into the broader social context of the era. Unique elements include a focus on crowd-sourcing information, inviting listeners to engage in the investigative process, and delving into related cold cases, which enriches the narrative and adds layers to the overarching mystery.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head:

1. Truth & Justice with Bob Ruff
2. Fairy Meadow
3. Bear Brook
4. Generation Why: True Crime
5. GUILT

How many episodes of The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head are there?

The Mysterious Case of Fred the Head launched 5 years ago and published 60 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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