Discover the Shocking Truth About The Magdala Pub and Its Dark History!

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The captivating tale “A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story” has sparked renewed interest in one of the most debated murder cases in British legal history.

In a more simplified and conversational style: Lucy Boynton portrays Ruth Ellis, the final woman executed in Britain, who fatally shot her violent partner, David Blakely (portrayed by Laurie Davidson), on a street in 1955.

In the course of the trial, neither David’s behavior towards Ruth nor any evidence suggesting encouragement from another suitor influenced the case were taken into account.

Due to various factors, numerous individuals believe that Ruth’s execution was an instance of injustice. This viewpoint significantly fueled efforts aimed at ending capital punishment in Britain.

The killing occurred outside a London pub known as The Magdala, which served as the filming location for ITV’s production of A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.

Where is The Magdala pub?

The Magdala public house can be found in the upscale, pricey neighborhood of Hampstead, which is situated in north-west London, a region known for its wealth.

At a series launch event, director Lee Haven Jones revealed that the pub was among various authentic settings used in A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story.

He started by saying, “We stayed faithful to the story’s essence rather than its exact details. As a group, we believed it was crucial to incorporate authentic aspects relevant to the period.

During our travels, we opted to take plenty of shots wherever suitable places presented themselves.

To clarify, we didn’t fire shots inside the Old Bailey courtroom, but rather in the public spaces like lobbies. Similarly, we aimed at the magistrates’ court in Hampstead, which was where Ruth had her initial hearing.

Jones mentioned that they filmed not only at the location where the incident occurred, which was The Magdala pub, but also at Tanza Road, the residence of Carole Findlater and her spouse.

“So that was key in terms of injecting the kind of the scenes with a sense of authenticity.”

Is The Magdala pub still open?

Absolutely, I can confirm that The Magdala pub remains open and it’s just a stone’s throw from the Hampstead Heath Overground Station. As a cinema enthusiast, I often find myself dashing to catch a train there after an evening movie.

For approximately five years, from February 2016 until its reopening in May 2021, the establishment underwent closure and transitioned to new management. Discover further details about this change on The Magdala website.

Are The Magdala pub ‘bullet holes’ real?

No, the ‘bullet holes’ on the outside of The Magdala pub are not real.

In the early ’90s, the walls of the property were affixed with items by its former landlord, Mary Watson, who was associated with the establishment at that time. This was done to strengthen the connection between the property and the notorious true crime story it’s known for (as reported by Islington Tribune).

Nevertheless, even some individuals have been deceived by the apparent authenticity of the ‘bullet holes’, such as Bessie Carter, a cast member of A Cruel Love who portrays David’s friend Carole Findlater.

Did Ruth Ellis work at The Magdala pub?

Indeed, despite Ruth Ellis shooting David Blakely outside The Magdala pub, it’s important to note that this wasn’t her place of work.

Instead, she managed a nightclub known as “The Little Club,” situated in the upscale district of Knightsbridge, within Central London.

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2025-03-06 15:47