Unmasking Wicked Letters: The Scandalous True Crime of Rose Gooding and Edith Swan

Netflix's movie "Wicked Little Letters" has captivated audiences with its intriguing tale of small-town scandal, mystery, and justice. The first 20 minutes were like slap-stick stupidity but, after that, it started to hold my interest. Nevertheless, beneath the fictionalized narrative lies a true story that took place in the quiet seaside town of Littlehampton, England, in the 1920s.

This article explores the real-life events that inspired the film, focusing on the lives of Rose Gooding and Edith Swan, whose lives became intertwined in a bizarre and unsettling series of events.

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The Setting: Littlehampton in the 1920s

Littlehampton, a quaint seaside town on the south coast of England, was a peaceful place in the early 20th century. With its close-knit community, it was the kind of town where everyone knew each other, and life moved at a gentle pace. However, in late 1919, this tranquility was shattered by a series of anonymous letters that wreaked havoc, spreading fear and suspicion throughout the town.

The Characters: Rose Gooding and Edith Swan

At the center of this bizarre episode were two women, Rose Gooding and Edith Swan. Rose, a young woman of modest means, was sociable and well-liked among her neighbors. In contrast, Edith Swan was older, more reserved, and came from a well-off family. Despite their differences, they lived as neighbors in Littlehampton, yet their lives were about to become irreversibly intertwined.

The case revolved around a series of obscene and threatening letters sent to various residents, for which Rose was wrongfully accused and convicted.

The true perpetrator was eventually revealed to be her neighbor, Edith Swan, who had orchestrated the letters and framed Rose. After a detailed investigation by Scotland Yard, it was discovered that Edith had sent the letters herself, including some to her own family, to shift suspicion onto Rose. Rose's initial conviction was quashed in 1921, and she was awarded compensation for the miscarriage of justice.

Edith Swan's father, Edward Swan, played a significant yet indirect role in the Littlehampton Letters scandal. Edward was described as an "irritable and excitable old man" by police at the time, and it was suggested that he may have contributed to the strained household environment in which Edith lived. Edith, who was the youngest of thirteen children, was still living at home with her parents and two of her brothers well into her adult years. This situation was highly unusual and likely contributed to a sense of frustration and entrapment for Edith, which may have influenced her behavior.

Edward Swan was known for his strict and traditional views, particularly regarding women's roles in society. He likely believed that women should remain in the home, serving men rather than pursuing independent lives or careers. This controlling environment may have exacerbated Edith's mental health issues, which some historians speculate led to her sending the malicious letters and framing Rose Gooding.

Edward's dominance in the household is thought to have been a significant factor in Edith's actions, although the full extent of his influence is not entirely clear. After Edith was caught and committed to an institution, the details about Edward's life and his eventual fate remain sparse in the historical record​ (Findmypast)​​ (West Sussex Record Office)​.

The Letters: A Community in Turmoil

The trouble began in late 1919 when anonymous letters started appearing in Littlehampton. These letters were filled with obscene language, sexual accusations, and defamatory remarks, targeting various residents and local businesses. Written in a distinctive style with purple ink and riddled with grammatical errors, the letters quickly became infamous within the town.

As the letters continued to circulate, the town's atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Neighbors began to distrust one another, and the community's fabric was frayed by paranoia. The letters had transformed Littlehampton from a peaceful seaside town into a community gripped by fear.

The Accusation: Rose Gooding Under Suspicion

By 1920, suspicion had turned toward Rose Gooding. Despite her lack of motive or history of such behavior, Rose was accused of being the letter writer. The evidence against her was flimsy and circumstantial, but the authorities, desperate to resolve the situation, arrested and charged her.

Rose's trial was a spectacle, attracting considerable public and media attention. Throughout the proceedings, Rose maintained her innocence, despite the immense pressure she faced. Her defense pointed out the lack of concrete evidence and suggested the possibility of another perpetrator, but the trial seemed to be moving toward a conviction.

The Revelation: Edith Swan’s Involvement

The case took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that Edith Swan, Rose's respectable neighbor, was the true author of the letters. Edith had been framing Rose for the obscene letter-writing campaign, concealing her own involvement while allowing an innocent woman to face prosecution.

The revelation of Edith's guilt shocked the community. Edith Swan, who had been seen as an upstanding member of Littlehampton society, had orchestrated the harassment for reasons that were never fully understood. Some speculated that jealousy, a desire for attention, or even a psychological disorder might have driven her actions.

The Aftermath: Justice and Redemption

With Edith Swan's guilt exposed, Rose Gooding was acquitted, and her name was cleared. The case, which had gripped the town and drawn widespread attention, became a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushing to judgment and the destructive power of malicious gossip.

After this ordeal, Rose Gooding lived quietly in Littlehampton with her husband. The scandal, however, had a lasting impact on the community and remains a fascinating example of a small-town mystery turned wrongful conviction. Edith Swan was later institutionalized due to mental health issues and died in 1959.

After the scandal, Edith Swan was declared mentally unfit to stand trial and was committed to an asylum, where she remained for the rest of her life. Littlehampton eventually returned to normal, but the scars left by the letter-writing scandal lingered in the town's memory for years.

The Legacy: From History to Hollywood

For many years, the story of the Littlehampton letters faded into obscurity, known only to local historians and those with a keen interest in British legal history. However, it was recently brought back into the spotlight with the release of the Netflix movie "Wicked Little Letters." The film dramatizes the events, adding fictional elements for entertainment purposes, but remains rooted in the true story of one of the most bizarre episodes of British justice.

"Wicked Little Letters" serves as a reminder of the fragility of reputation, the dangers of unfounded accusations, and the complex nature of human psychology. It also underscores the importance of thorough investigations and justice, ensuring that the true story of Rose Gooding and Edith Swan is not forgotten​ (GoodTo)​​ (Findmypast)​​ (West Sussex Record Office)​.

This case, sometimes referred to as the "Littlehampton Libels," has been revisited in recent years, including in the 2023 film "Wicked Little Letters," which dramatizes the events but takes some creative liberties​ (GoodTo)​​ (Findmypast)​​ (West Sussex Record Office)​.

Movie TrailerPhoto byIMDB