Charles Bravo

Charles Bravo (n%C3%A9 Charles Delauney Turner)

Charles Delaunay Turner Bravo (1845 – 21 April 1876) was a British lawyer whose death under mysterious circumstances caused a sensation in Victorian England. His death, from antimony poisoning, led to two inquests, neither of which conclusively determined whether his death was a result of murder, suicide, or accident. The case, known as the Charles Bravo Case or the Balham Mystery, remains one of the most famous unsolved cases in British legal history.

Early Life

Charles Bravo was born in 1845, into a wealthy family. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied law. After completing his studies, he was called to the Bar and began practicing as a barrister.

Marriage

In 1875, Charles Bravo married Florence Ricardo (née Campbell), a wealthy widow with a complex past, including a previous marriage to a man named Alexander Ricardo and a scandalous relationship with Dr. James Gully, a proponent of hydrotherapy. Florence had a substantial fortune, which made the marriage significant in terms of social and financial standing.

Death

On the evening of 18 April 1876, Charles Bravo was taken ill at The Priory, the couple's residence in Balham, South London. He suffered intense pain and vomiting, symptoms of poisoning. Despite medical attention, Bravo died three days later. The post-mortem examination revealed that he had died from antimony poisoning.

Investigations and Inquests

The mysterious circumstances of Bravo's death led to widespread public interest and speculation. Two inquests were held to determine the cause of death. The first inquest was inconclusive, leading to a second, more thorough investigation. Despite extensive testimonies and the involvement of some of the era's most notable figures, including Dr. Gully, who was considered a suspect along with Florence Bravo and the household's maid, Mary Ann Cox, no definitive conclusion was reached. The jury at the second inquest found that Charles Bravo had been poisoned by antimony but could not ascertain whether it was murder, suicide, or accidental.

Legacy

The Charles Bravo case has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries. It remains a topic of fascination for those interested in Victorian mysteries and legal history. The inability to conclusively solve the case has led to various theories and speculations over the years, including motives related to financial gain, jealousy, and revenge.

See Also

• List of unsolved deaths
• Victorian era
• Forensic science