Local band releases new single inspired by chilling true crime in Lake District
A local band from the South Lakes has recently released a new single that delves into a chilling true crime story. ‘The Lady in the Lake’ by The Size is inspired by the tragic tale of Margaret Hogg, whose body was discovered in Wast Water.
Margaret Hogg, a former airline stewardess, was married to pilot Peter Hogg, who was significantly older than her. Their relationship deteriorated due to Margaret’s extramarital affair with banker Graham Ryan. In October 1976, a violent altercation between Margaret and Peter resulted in his strangling her. To cover up the crime, Peter wrapped her body in a carpet, attached it to a concrete block, and transported it from Surrey to the Lake District, where he disposed of her corpse in the murky depths of Wast Water.
For eight years, Margaret’s remains lay submerged in the cold and oxygen-deprived waters of the lake until divers searching for a missing French student, Veronique Mireille Marre, stumbled upon her body in 1984. Identification was made possible through Margaret’s wedding ring, engraved with “Margaret 11.11.63 Peter”. Peter Hogg was subsequently arrested, confessed to the killing, and was convicted of manslaughter, receiving a four-year prison sentence.
The Size’s latest indie-rock single takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to narrating the murder, alternating perspectives between the perpetrator and the victim. In the final verse, ‘the lady’ delivers a fierce and defiant challenge to her killer.
Nick Barnes, guitarist and lead vocalist of the band, has a keen interest in exploring local history. Upon discovering Margaret’s tragic story, he found inspiration to transform it into a song. “Wast Water is such a striking location with its own hidden stories,” explains Barnes. “It’s haunting to think of Margaret’s body remaining undiscovered for so long.”
During their research for the single, the band came across Jeremy Craddock’s book, Lady in the Lake, which details the account of Carol Park, whose body was found in Coniston in 1997.
Recorded at Stonegate Studios near Bentham, The Size’s single ‘Lady in the Lake’ is now available for streaming on major platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Founded in 2022, The Size consists of Nick Barnes (guitarist and vocalist), Michael Baeron (bassist), Sarah Case (lead vocalist and keyboardist), and Peppi Agliolo (drummer). Last October, guitarist Dave Nicholls joined the band. The group boasts a diverse musical style, drawing influences from various genres, including pop, rock, and funk.
Don’t miss the chance to see The Size perform at Bootleggers Bar in Kendal on April 12th, Ye Olde John o’Gaunt in Lancaster on May 2nd, or at the South Lakes Live festival on May 3rd at Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club.