Chris Arnot on research into the phenomenon of 'puerperal insanity' in the 19th century, whereby mothers may have got away with murder.

After adolescence, women faced the danger of puerperal insanity following childbirth and finally the 'climacteric paroxysms' of menopause.

Under the tutelage of the then superintendent Dr. David Skae Tuke quickly developed a niche in puerperal insanity and published influential articles on the subject.

In evidence to the court, Tuke had been clear in his assertion that Lady Mordaunt was suffering from puerperal insanity, regarding her confessions of serial adultery with several men up to a few week's before the birth of her daughter as typical delusions associated with that condition.