Inside History Issue 10

came to defeat. It would become the most pivotal moment
of his career.
Blackburn itself would become a place Houdini loathed the
most later saying that "Of all the hoodlum towns I ever
worked, the gallery is certainly the worst". It would be a
constant reminder to him how close he actually came to
failure.
William Hope Hodgson may have lost the battle against
Houdini but that did not prevent him from becoming a
success in his own right. He would move away from the
controversy of plugging locks against Houdini to become
one of Britain's most famous horror and supernatural
authors. The House on the Borderland would become an
instant classic among readers and critics.
Yet, his life would be cut short at the fourth Battle of Ypes
where he was killed by an artillery shell in 1918. He was 40
years old.
Houdini would go on to be the world's most famous
magician. His escapology acts would see him perform in
front of millions and gather worldwide fame. Yet, it all
could have ended earlier with a trip to Blackburn and a
challenge by William Hodgson. IH
Above: Houdini with his brother Theodore Hardeen.
Left: Houdini continues to set Challenges in Salford 1914
INSIDE HISTORY 23