Alexander Roby

Born in 1892 to a wealthy middle class London family, Roby dropped out of Peterhouse prior to knocking around the Foreign Office for a couple of years. He left the FO and spent his time studying fringe interests (astronomy, art, the occult) and mixing with people of whom his family did not approve.

On October 14th 1926 Roby's father Herbert and sister Georgina were brutally murdered at the family home in Curzon Street. Alexander was the only other person at home, and initially claimed responsibility. He was arrested, but instead of being charged was committed to St Agnes Asylum. The papers committing him were signed by Dr Highsmith, Roby's older brother Grahame Roby and the Roby family physician, Dr Lionel Trollope.

Highsmith believes Roby suffers from 'sympathetic mania', which manifests as severe night terrors, or scotophobia, that start each year at the anniversary of the muders and continue until the Spring. These attacks are being well-managed with laudanum, and Highsmith believes him fit for release to the care of his family or a convalescent home. Highsmith also believes Alexander innocent of the the Roby murders.

His release hearing is scheduled for November 30th 1928.

Roby spends his time studying poetry and has made unusual marginal notes in his poetry books referring to various elements common to both the play 'Carcosa' and Robert W Chambers's 'King in Yellow' stories.

He made an unusual statement to Dr Bartlett.

Back in 1923, Alexander wrote and published a poetic book called 'The Walker by the Lake'.