This book examines the phenomenon of infanticide in Ireland from 1850 to 1900, examining a sample of 4,645 individual cases of infant murder, attempted infanticide and concealment of birth. Evidence for this study has been gleaned from a variety of sources, including court documents, coroners' records, prison files, parliamentary papers, and newspapers. Through these sources, many of which are rarely used by scholars, attitudes towards the crime, the women accused of the offence, and the victim, are revealed. Although infant murder was a capital offence during this period, none of the women...

This book examines the phenomenon of infanticide in Ireland, described by the Western Star in 1865 as 'A most diabolical deed'. It is based on 4,645 individual cases of suspected infant murder, attempted infanticide and concealment of birth discovered between the years 1850 and 1900. Through a variety of sources, many of which are rarely used by scholars, attitudes towards the crime of infanticide and women accused of the offence in late nineteenth-century Ireland are revealed. The voices of witnesses, policemen and defendants, recorded in inquest statements, court testimonies and petitions...