Who Is Ruth Ellis? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 9, 1926, Ruth Ellis was a British escort whose life unraveled dramatically in the mid-20th century. She gained notoriety after being convicted of murdering her lover, DavidBlair, in 1955. Her case highlighted several key issues of the time, including societal attitudes towards women, mental health, and the legal system. Ruth was executed on July 13, 1955, becoming the last woman to be hanged in Britain. Her life and tragic end have since inspired various books, documentaries, and even films that explore the complexities of her story.
| Occupation | Murderers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1926 |
| Age | 28 Years |
| Birth Place | Rhyl, Denbighshire, Wales |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 13 July, 1955 |
| Died Place | HMP Holloway, London, England |
Popularity
Ruth Ellis's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Information regarding Ruth Ellis's physical statistics during her lifetime is somewhat sparse, given the era's focus on her criminal activities rather than her personal attributes. However, she was described as an attractive woman with a striking presence. Her exact height and weight have not been widely documented, but she is often noted for her elegant figure that contributed to her career as an escort.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ruth Ellis’s tumultuous relationships have been a focal point in discussions about her life. She had several affairs, but her most significant relationship was with David Blakely, who was, unfortunately, the victim of the murder that led to her execution. Ruth’s family background included a complex relationship with her parents, which was often highlighted as a contributing factor to her troubled life. Despite her chaotic love life and several relationships, Ruth did not have a husband or long-term partner during the period leading to her execution.
She moved to Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, with her family during her childhood. Her mother, Elisaberta (Bertha) Goethals, was a Belgian war refugee; her father, Arthur Hornby, was a cellist from Manchester who played on Atlantic liners. The Register of Marriages gives Arthur Hornby as marrying Elisa B. Goethals at Chorlton-cum-Hardy in 1920. Arthur later changed his surname to Neilson.
Net Worth and Salary
Details regarding Ruth Ellis's financial status during her lifetime are not extensively documented. As an escort, her earnings would vary based on her clients and the nature of her work. However, it is essential to acknowledge that her arrest and subsequent trial would have drastically impacted any financial status she might have possessed. By the time of her execution, her net worth would have been diminished by legal fees and the media frenzy surrounding her case.
Career, Business and Investments
Ruth Ellis pursued a career as an escort, which was quite controversial for women during the 1950s. Her profession brought her into high society circles but also subjected her to significant scrutiny and stigma. The luxury lifestyle she briefly enjoyed drastically changed after her relationship with David Blakely turned tragic, ultimately leading her to a life shrouded in notoriety rather than success. Beyond her life as an escort, Ellis did not engage in other substantial business ventures or investments that are recorded.
On the day of Ellis's execution, columnist Cassandra of the Daily Mirror attacked her sentence, writing: "The one thing that brings stature and dignity to mankind and raises us above the beasts will have been denied her — pity and the hope of ultimate redemption".
The British Pathé newsreel reporting the execution openly questioned whether capital punishment—of a woman or of anyone—had a place in the 20th century. The novelist Raymond Chandler, then living in Britain, wrote a scathing letter to the Evening Standard referring to what he described as "the medieval savagery of the law".
Social Network
Ruth Ellis's connections spanned a wide array of social circles, including affluent clients and socialites in London. However, given the historical period, details of her social networks are limited. In modern discussions around her life, many social media platforms and online discussions have generated interest in her story, leading to a revival of interest in her biography and historical context.
On 12 July 1955, the day before her execution, Mishcon and Simmons saw Ellis, who wanted to make her will. When they pressed her for the full story, Ellis asked them to promise not to use what she said to try to secure a reprieve; Mishcon refused.
Ellis divulged that Cussen had given her the gun and taught her how to use it on the weekend prior to the murder. She also revealed that Cussen had driven her to the murder scene.
Following a two-hour interview, Mishcon and Simmons went to the Home Office; the Permanent Secretary, Sir Frank Newsam, was summoned back to London and ordered the head of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to check the story.
Lloyd George later said that the police were able to make considerable enquiries but that it made no difference to his decision, and in fact, made Ellis's guilt greater showing the murder was premeditated. He also said that the injury to the bystander was decisive in his decision: "We cannot have people shooting off firearms in the street!
As long as I was Home Secretary I was determined to ensure that people could use the streets without fear of a bullet."
Education
Little is known about Ruth Ellis's formal education; she grew up in a time when educational opportunities for women were limited, particularly for those in her socioeconomic context. It is worth considering that her life experiences, rather than formal education, shaped her narrative.
In conclusion, Ruth Ellis remains a complex figure in British history whose story continues to intrigue and provoke discussion about justice, love, and tragedy. As we reflect on her life in 2025, the implications of her choices and the societal norms of her time resonate more deeply, continuing to prompt explorations of her legacy.
