Uncovering the Mysterious Wealth of Constance Kent: What is the Net Worth of the Infamous Murderer?

Intro:
In 1865, a young boy named Francis Saville Kent was brutally murdered in his own home. The prime suspect was his half-sister, Constance Kent, who later confessed to the crime. The sensational trial that followed sparked public outrage and intrigue, leading to countless books and articles telling the grisly story. But what often gets overlooked is the question of Constance’s wealth. How did a woman, who spent over 20 years in prison, accumulate such a fortune? Let’s uncover the mysterious wealth of Constance Kent and discover what her net worth really was.

1. The Murder
The story began on June 29, 1860, in Road, Kent, England. Francis Saville Kent, the three-year-old son of Samuel Saville Kent, was found murdered in a privy at his family’s home. Suspicion immediately fell on the family’s teenage daughter Constance Kent. During the investigation, Constance’s clothing was seized and found to be stained with blood. She was arrested and charged with the murder.

2. The Trial
The trial of Constance Kent began on July 10, 1865, and lasted for 14 days. The prosecution presented evidence that included Constance’s clothing, a bloody nightgown, and various suspicious statements she had made. Finally, on July 29, Constance confessed to the murder, claiming that she acted alone and that her motivation was resentment towards her stepmother.

3. Constance’s Imprisonment
Despite her confession, Constance Kent was not immediately sentenced. She remained in confinement for two years until new legislation allowed her to be tried once again and was sentenced to death. This sentence was later commuted to life in prison. Constance spent over 20 years in various prisons before being released on parole in 1885.

4. The Inheritance
One possible explanation for Constance’s wealth is that she inherited money from her family. Her father, Samuel Saville Kent, was a wealthy factory owner who is estimated to have left behind a fortune of over £100,000. Her mother inherited a substantial sum from her father, who was also a factory owner.

5. The Will
Another theory is that Constance Kent’s wealth came from the will of her half-brother, William Saville-Kent. William was a noted naturalist who died in 1908, leaving a fortune of around £30,000. Some believe that Constance forged a will to ensure that she would receive a share of his estate.

6. The Author
After leaving prison, Constance Kent changed her name and became a successful author. She wrote several books, including a memoir about her time in prison. Her writing career is another possible explanation for her wealth.

7. The Net Worth
So, what is Constance Kent’s net worth? It is difficult to say for certain, but estimates range from £10,000 to £100,000. Given her family’s wealth and her possible inheritance from William Saville-Kent, it is not surprising that she had a substantial fortune. Her successful writing career likely added to that sum as well.

8. Conclusion
Constance Kent’s story is one of tragedy and intrigue. While we may never know the full extent of her wealth, it is clear that she had access to a significant fortune. Whether this wealth came from her family’s inheritance or her own endeavors, it is a reminder that even the most notorious criminals can have hidden secrets.

FAQs

Q1. What was Constance Kent’s net worth?
A1. Constance Kent’s net worth is estimated to be between £10,000 to £100,000.

Q2. How did Constance Kent become wealthy?
A2. There are several possible explanations for Constance’s wealth, including inheritance from her family, a share of her half-brother’s estate, and a successful writing career.

Q3. What was Constance Kent’s occupation?
A3. Constance Kent was an author.

Q4. How long was Constance Kent in prison?
A4. Constance Kent spent over 20 years in various prisons before being released on parole in 1885.

Q5. What was Constance Kent’s motivation for the murder?
A5. Constance claimed that her motivation for the murder was resentment towards her stepmother.

Q6. Was Constance Kent sentenced to death?
A6. Constance Kent was initially sentenced to death but later received a commuted sentence of life in prison.

Q7. Did Constance Kent inherit money from her family?
A7. It is possible that Constance inherited money from her wealthy family, including both her father and her grandfather.

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Constance Kent’s life has been the subject of countless books and articles, each shedding new light on the intriguing story of the murdered boy and the woman who confessed to killing him. Regardless of where her wealth came from, it is clear that Constance was a woman of many secrets. We can only imagine what other hidden stories remain undiscovered. If you found this post informative and would like to know more about infamous figures in history, feel free to visit our website and leave a comment!