The Trial and Conviction of John Church

This riveting account plunges listeners into the bustling courtroom of the 1817 Surrey Assizes, where the charismatic yet controversial preacher John Church stands accused of a shocking assault. The narration follows the barrister’s shorthand notes, presenting the prosecution’s evidence—letters, witness statements, and the defendant’s own admissions—while capturing the tense atmosphere that grips the jurors, the judge, and the assembled public.

Beyond the legal proceedings, the work explores the wider moral panic stirred by a religious figure whose alleged crimes threaten the faith of his followers. Listeners hear the impassioned pleas of both victims and supporters, the stark contrast between public reverence and private suspicion, and the societal forces that drive the quest for justice. The early stages of the trial set the stage for a gripping examination of authority, belief, and the fragile line between piety and depravity.