Scots ‘demon butler’ who became one of UK’s most notorious killers

Scots ‘Demon Butler’ Turned Notorious Killer

Archibald Thomson Hall, known as the ‘demon butler,’ walked free from prison in 1975 and adopted a new identity, eventually becoming one of Scotland’s most infamous serial killers. Hall, previously involved in a string of thefts in London during his teenage years, was apprehended at 17. Upon his release, he reinvented himself as Roy Fontaine, taking inspiration from Joan Fontaine, the leading lady in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 film “Rebecca.” Securing employment as a butler, Hall ingratiated himself into high society circles, rubbing shoulders with prominent individuals such as composer Ivor Novello, Lord Mountbatten, and playwright Terrence Rattigan.

Initially planning to steal from his employers, Hall developed a fondness for his work and the social status it afforded him. His murderous spree began at the residence of Margaret Hudson, the widow of Tory MP Sir Austin Hudson. When Hall’s former jailmate and ex-lover David Wright surfaced at the estate as a gamekeeper and pilfered jewellery belonging to Mrs. Hudson, he coerced Hall into silence by threatening to expose his criminal past. Under the guise of a hunting expedition, Hall led Wright to his demise, shooting him and burying him near a stream on the estate.

Subsequently, Hall secured employment in London as a butler for Labour MP Walter Scott-Elliot and his wife Dorothy. However, a confrontation with Dorothy, who stumbled upon Hall discussing illicit plans with an accomplice Michael Kitto, culminated in the deaths of the couple. Hall and Kitto transported the bodies to Scotland, disposing of them in Perthshire and Tomich, with the aid of the Scott-Elliot’s housekeeper Mary Coggle. Fearful of exposure due to Mary’s discovery of incriminating evidence, Hall silenced her with fatal force, leaving her remains in Dumfriesshire. Hall’s final victim was his half-brother Donald, whom he subdued with chloroform before drowning him.

Events took a turn when Hall and Kitto checked into Blenheim House Hotel in North Berwick, arousing suspicion with their behaviour. Subsequent investigation led to the discovery of Donald’s body in their vehicle, linking them to the Scott-Elliots’ property, where evidence of robbery and violence was found. Hall eventually confessed to his crimes, receiving a life sentence alongside Kitto. In his autobiography “A Perfect Gentleman,” published in 1999, Hall detailed his deception and murderous acts. He passed away in 2002 at Kingston Prison at the age of 78 following a stroke.

Summary and Insights

Archibald Thomson Hall’s transformation from a troubled past into a manipulative killer showcases the complexities of human nature. His ability to deceive and integrate into elite social circles underscores the dangers of misplaced trust. Hall’s case serves as a stark reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath a polished exterior, urging vigilance and discernment in all interactions. The chilling details of his crimes and eventual downfall serve as a cautionary tale against the allure of wealth and status, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s moral compass in the face of temptation.