Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Hangwoman of 18th Century Ireland
May 6, 2025
Join Clodagh Finn, a journalist and author of ‘Through Her Eyes: A New History of Ireland in 21 Women,’ as she uncovers the extraordinary life of Lady Betty, an 18th-century female executioner in Ireland. Discover how this trailblazer challenged gender norms in her brutal profession and the societal perceptions surrounding her role. The discussion also highlights other influential women of the time, exploring themes of survival, societal order, and the legacy of female empowerment amidst a male-dominated world.
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Roscommon's Execution Context
- Roscommon was a small rural town with a central jail where surrounding area prisoners were held and executed.
- The executions were public spectacles attracting large crowds, reflecting the harsh justice system of the time.
Lady Arabella Denny's Contrasting Legacy
- Lady Arabella Denny was an 18th-century aristocratic philanthropist who founded Ireland's first Magdalene asylum.
- She also pioneered silkworm breeding in Dublin and supported marginalised women despite her privileged background.
Power and Fear of Lady Betty
- Lady Betty was feared and reviled for her role as executioner, seen as violating traditional feminine ideals.
- Her power and notoriety gave rise to folklore warning children she would "come and get you" if they misbehaved.