40. By Hook Or By Crook

Lucy Worsley digs into the lives of bold women who choose - by hook or by crook - to escape a life of poverty, misfortune and hardship.

This episode highlights the fascinating tales of four invincible women. Sophie Lyons, a bank robber who, by the power of the American Dream, turns into a philanthropist. Madam Rachel, a beautician who combines fraudulent treatments with a deep understanding of women's insecurities to dupe an elite clientele. Ann Mary Provis, a bright artist who deceives the Royal Academicians, no less. And Fanny Davies, a cunning thief who uses her wit and charm to rob unsuspecting victims.

Lucy is joined by in-house historian, Professor Rosalind Crone, and guest detective Baroness Ayesha Hazarika MBE, to discuss the motivations behind these women's choices and explore the broader implications of their swindles.

We see them as mothers, as businesswomen, and simply as humans with faults, desires and dreams and we ask, does crime pay?

Producer: Riham Moussa

Readers: Clare Corbett and Jonathan Keeble

Sound Design: Chris Maclean

Executive producer: Kirsty Hunter

A StoryHunter production for BBC Radio 4