In our articles, we often explore the lives of remarkable and talented individuals from Leeds and its surrounding areas. However, today we delve into the darker side of local history, recounting the tale of Mary Bateman, an English criminal infamously known as the “Yorkshire Witch.” Read on for more about her life and deeds on leedska.com.
Who Was the Yorkshire Witch?
Mary Bateman was born in 1768 in North Riding, Yorkshire. At the age of 13, she started working as a servant, later transitioning to a career as a seamstress by her 20s. However, her life took a turn when, at 21, she fled to Leeds after being implicated in a burglary. In Leeds, Mary reinvented herself as a fortune teller and self-proclaimed “wise woman.”
In 1792, Mary married John Bateman, a wheelwright. However, her marital status did little to deter her criminal activities. Mary continued her fraudulent schemes, including soliciting donations under the pretense of aiding fire victims, only to pocket the money herself.
By 1806, Mary aligned herself with the followers of prophetess Joanna Southcott and began practicing what she called witchcraft. She gained a reputation for offering “treatments” to her clients. One such case involved William and Rebecca Perigo, who sought her help for Rebecca’s chest pains. Mary convinced them that Rebecca was cursed and began “treating” her with poisoned puddings. Rebecca’s condition worsened, leading to her death in 1808. William Perigo accused Mary of poisoning his wife and swindling them out of their money.
Mary Bateman’s Fate
In 1809, Mary Bateman stood trial, which lasted 11 hours. During the proceedings, she claimed to be pregnant in an attempt to delay her sentencing. However, twelve married women were summoned to conduct a medical examination, which revealed that Mary was lying. She did, however, have a daughter who remained at home during her trial.
On March 20, 1809, Mary Bateman was hanged, and her body was handed over to Leeds General Infirmary. Her corpse was put on public display for an entrance fee of three pence per person. The exhibition lasted three days: the first day for medical students, the second for men, and the third for women. Strips of Mary’s skin were reportedly sold as charms against evil spirits. Two books—Hurt of Sedition by John Cheke and Arcadian Princess by Richard Braithwaite—were bound in her skin, while the prison governor of Ripon kept a piece of her tongue as a morbid keepsake.
Mary Bateman’s execution caused a sensation in Leeds and the surrounding region. Her story inspired the publication of The Extraordinary Life and Character of Mary Bateman. Her skeleton was displayed to the public in the Thackray Medical Museum in Leeds until 2015.
Whether Mary Bateman was truly a witch or merely a fraud remains uncertain, but witchcraft itself has deep historical roots. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, England saw numerous witch trials, resulting in the execution of around 500 people—90% of whom were women. Witch hunts gained traction during the English Civil War.
In 1541, England passed the Witchcraft Act, though it was repealed six years later. In 1563, a revised Witchcraft Act introduced the death penalty for those accused of causing death through witchcraft. The law was further amended in 1603.
Typically, older women with poor reputations were targeted, accused of harming livestock or casting curses. Most convicted witches were hanged, although some were burned at the stake. The last known witch hunt in England occurred in 1682, and the Witchcraft Act of 1735 officially ended prosecutions for witchcraft.
In the modern era, witches openly discuss their practices, and some even advertise their services. While witchcraft has lost its stigma for many, Christianity continues to denounce it, along with those who seek the counsel of witches or healers.
Whether Mary Bateman was a genuine practitioner of witchcraft or simply a con artist, her actions led to her conviction and execution. Her life and crimes remain a fascinating chapter in Yorkshire’s history.
We hope you found this article insightful and learned something new about our region’s past and the history of witchcraft. Have you heard of Mary Bateman before? Share your thoughts with us on social media—we value your opinion.