The mystery of a teenage servant girl, her brutal killing on Bodmin Moor in 1844, and the court case which saw her lover hanged publicly in front of thousands who travelled to Bodmin to watch the execution, will be explored anew in Liskeard.

Charlotte Dymond has held intrigue and appeal for many generations of writers. The tale of the 18 year-old woman, who was left with her throat slashed near a stream at the foot of Roughtor, has inspired a poem by Charles Causley, a folk song, and more than one book, and visitors can take part in re-enactments of the trial at Bodmin’s Shire Hall.

It was at one of these mock trials that Cornish author Jill Batters first became fascinated by Charlotte’s story.

She set about doing as much research as she could, and eventually wrote a book, based on the facts, which paints a picture of Charlotte’s earlier life leading up to the murder.

Matthew Weekes was convicted of the crime and sent to the gallows. So convinced were the community of his guilt at the time that they had it literally carved in stone on a memorial, which still stands today, at the site of the killing.

However for author Jill, doubt remains.

’After I’d been to the exhibition in Bodmin, I started to think about other people who might have been responsible for the murder,’ she said.

’I went right through the court documents and I dug out a lot of newspapers from the time.

‘Unless there’s someone out there connected with the family who really does know the truth, I don’t think we’ll ever find out what really happened.’

Jill and Chris Batters will be hosted by Liskeard Old Cornwall Society as they present their talk ‘The Life of Charlotte Dymond’ at Liskeard Public Hall tomorrow (Friday January 11) at 2.30pm.