Hilda Hopkins: Mother Wouldn't Like It: The Chilling True Story of a Machine-Knitting Serial Killer

In the quaint, unsuspecting towns of England during the 1960s and 1970s, a sinister secret lurked beneath the surface. Hilda Hopkins, an ordinary-looking woman with a passion for machine knitting, harbored a dark and twisted compulsion that would forever leave an indelible mark on the annals of British crime.

Hilda Hopkins, Mother Wouldn't Like It #8 (Hilda Hopkins, Machine Knitting Serial Killer)

by Vivienne Fagan

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	97 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Hopkins, known as the "Machine Knitting Serial Killer," targeted elderly women, often luring them with the promise of knitted gifts or companionship. Behind her charming facade lay a cold-hearted killer who ruthlessly snuffed out the lives of those who crossed her path.

This article delves into the chilling true story of Hilda Hopkins, exploring the circumstances that led to her descent into darkness and examining the aftermath of her heinous crimes. Join us as we unravel the tale of a seemingly ordinary woman who became one of Britain's most notorious serial killers.

A Seemingly Ordinary Life

Hilda Hopkins was born in 1929 in the town of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Her childhood was marred by poverty and neglect, factors that may have contributed to her troubled adulthood. As a young woman, she worked as a cleaning lady and later a barmaid, but her true passion lay in machine knitting.

Hopkins was known for her exceptional knitting skills, creating intricate garments and accessories that she sold to friends and neighbors. She often used her knitting as a means of befriending older women, particularly those who lived alone.

The First Victims

Hopkins's criminal spree began in 1965 with the murder of Mary Wilson, an 82-year-old widow who lived in Peterborough. It is believed that Hopkins gained Wilson's trust by offering to knit her a pair of socks. On the day of the murder, Hopkins visited Wilson's home and strangled her to death with a pair of stockings.

Over the next several years, Hopkins continued to claim victims, all elderly women who met a similar fate. She would typically target those who lived alone or were isolated from their families. Her modus operandi often involved strangulation or suffocation, and she would often steal her victims' belongings, including jewelry and cash.

The Knitting Connection

One of the most striking aspects of Hopkins's crimes was her use of knitting as a lure and a weapon. She would often offer to knit items for her victims, using this gesture as a way to gain their trust and access their homes.

In some cases, Hopkins would use her knitting needles as a lethal weapon, stabbing or strangling her victims. This unusual connection between her hobby and her crimes earned her the moniker "Machine Knitting Serial Killer."

The Investigation and Capture

As the number of unsolved murders of elderly women continued to rise, suspicion began to fall on Hilda Hopkins. Detectives noticed a pattern in the crimes, particularly the connection to machine knitting.

In 1975, Hopkins was arrested after she was found in possession of stolen goods belonging to one of her victims. Further investigation revealed overwhelming evidence linking her to the murders, including the discovery of knitting needles with DNA matching that of the victims.

Hopkins initially denied any involvement, but later confessed to the crimes, claiming that she had been motivated by a desire for financial gain and a thrill of power.

Trial and Sentencing

The trial of Hilda Hopkins in 1976 captivated the nation. Hopkins pleaded guilty to seven murders and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The judge described her crimes as "wicked, cruel, and callous."

Hopkins remained in prison until her death in 1995. She never expressed any remorse for her actions, and her motives for the murders remain a mystery.

The case of Hilda Hopkins is a chilling reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary lives. Her crimes exposed the vulnerability of elderly people and the dangers that can arise when trust is betrayed.

The legacy of Hilda Hopkins continues to fascinate and horrify, with books, documentaries, and articles exploring the depths of her depravity. Her story serves as a cautionary tale, warning us to be aware of those who may hide sinister intentions behind a façade of normalcy.

As we remember the victims of Hilda Hopkins's heinous crimes, we are reminded of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and the need for justice to prevail. The story of the Machine Knitting Serial Killer is a chilling testament to the human capacity for evil, and a reminder that even in the most ordinary of settings, unspeakable horrors can unfold.

Hilda Hopkins, Mother Wouldn't Like It #8 (Hilda Hopkins, Machine Knitting Serial Killer)

by Vivienne Fagan

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	97 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE