Mysterious death of Duke of Cumberland"s valet explored in new podcast
- Thomas Sellis, the valet of the Duke of Cumberland, was found dead in his room at St James's Palace on May 31, 1810, with his head partially severed.
- The Duke, who was attacked hours before Sellis's body was discovered, claimed he was assaulted and had a bloody sword found in his room.
- Despite the suspicious circumstances, Sellis's death was ruled a suicide, leaving the Duke free from blame, though many still suspect his involvement.
The mysterious death of Thomas Sellis, valet to the Duke of Cumberland, occurred on May 31, 1810, at St James's Palace. Sellis was found with his head partially severed, raising immediate suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his demise. Just hours before his body was discovered, the Duke reported being attacked in his sleep, claiming he was struck on the head and slashed on the leg by an assailant. A bloody sword belonging to the Duke was also found at the scene. During the inquest into Sellis's death, the Duke's other valet, Cornelius Neil, suggested that Sellis may have attempted to murder the Duke and subsequently took his own life. This theory was bolstered by Sellis's previous accusations of theft and his outspoken support for American independence, which may have made him a target. The Duke's reputation as a deeply unpleasant man further complicated the investigation. Despite the evidence pointing towards a violent confrontation, the inquest ruled Sellis's death a suicide, effectively exonerating the Duke. However, the ruling did not quell public suspicion regarding the Duke's potential involvement in the incident, especially given the violent nature of the events leading up to Sellis's death. The case remains a topic of intrigue, with historians and journalists continuing to explore the complex relationships and motives at play, as well as the broader implications of royal conduct during this tumultuous period in history.