Bio

Richard Archer Prince, also known as William Archer Flint, was born on May 11, 1858 near Dundee, Scotland. He grew up on the Baldoran Estate, where his father worked as a ploughman. From a young age, Richard had dreams of becoming an actor. He struggled in school and was often thought to be “soft in the head.” Despite this, he was determined to pursue a career on stage.

By 1887, Richard began to make appearances in small acting roles in London's theaters. His career started to take shape, but he often played minor parts. Over the years, he became acquainted with William Terriss, a leading actor at the time. Terriss was well-known and had established himself as a popular figure in the theater world. He even helped Richard find acting opportunities.

In their early relationship, Terriss was generous. He tried to assist Richard by giving him work and even sending him money through the Actors’ Benevolent Fund. However, Richard's mental health began to deteriorate, and he earned a reputation for being unstable. He was often referred to as “Mad Archer.”

In December 1897, Richard faced a financial crisis. He became destitute and had pawned nearly all of his belongings. He lived on a very limited diet and fell behind on his rent. On December 13, he was forcibly removed from the foyer of the Vaudeville Theatre after he attempted to get a free ticket. His situation worsened over the next few days.

On December 16, after one last letter informed him that his financial aid was ending, Richard was in a desperate state. That evening, he confronted Terriss outside the Adelphi Theatre, leading to a tragic event that would change the course of both their lives forever.

Murder Story

On December 16, 1897, Richard Archer Prince murdered William Terriss in front of the Adelphi Theatre in London. The two had a complicated relationship. At one point, Terriss had helped Prince find acting work, but tensions rose between them. Prince felt wronged by Terriss, believing he was denied opportunities in his acting career.

That evening, as Terriss arrived at the theatre's stage door, Prince approached him from the shadows. He stabbed Terriss several times in the back, side, and chest with a kitchen knife. Witnesses stated that Prince showed no resistance when the police captured him shortly after the attack. He allegedly told officers that he committed the crime for revenge, claiming Terriss had kept him out of work for ten years.

When Terriss was taken to the hospital, he died shortly after the stabbing. On January 13, 1898, Prince was brought to trial at the Old Bailey. He initially pleaded guilty with provocation but later changed his plea to not guilty based on the advice of his lawyer. The defense argued that Prince was insane.

The jury found him guilty but, based on medical evidence, declared him not responsible for his actions. Prince was sent to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. In the asylum, he became involved in entertainment activities for other inmates and conducted the prison orchestra.

He died of natural causes on January 25, 1937.