After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Ireland's First Witch: Medieval Murderer? (Part 1)
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling

Introduction to Dame Alice Kittler

In the gripping premiere of the miniseries Ireland's First Witch: Medieval Murderer?, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the dark and enigmatic tale of Dame Alice Kittler, heralded as Ireland's first known witch. Set against the backdrop of 14th-century Kilkenny, the episode paints a vivid picture of a woman whose life and legacy continue to haunt the annals of Irish history.

A Chilling Execution: Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a dramatized recounting of Alice's alleged execution:

"3rd November 1324, Ireland. The streets of Kilkenny are abuzz... The woman is roughly bound to [the] pyre, and the crowd falls silent... 'How do you look away when you're witnessing history?'" ([02:26] Anthony Delaney)

This vivid portrayal sets the tone for the investigation into Alice's life, blending historical facts with the eerie atmosphere of medieval Kilkenny.

Historical Context: 14th Century Kilkenny

Delving into the socio-political landscape of the time, Anthony outlines the intricate dynamics between the Anglo Normans and the Gaelic Irish:

"The political landscape in medieval Ireland... assimilation has begun between those two groups which were previously quite factious." ([10:38] Anthony Delaney)

Kilkenny, though small in population, was a hub of power, wealth, and influence, largely due to the concentration of Anglo Norman families and the burgeoning trade. The arrival of Bishop Richard de Ledred in 1317 introduced a stringent ecclesiastical authority, heightening tensions within the community.

Dame Alice Kittler: A Woman of Wealth and Influence

Alice Kittler emerges as a formidable figure in Kilkenny. Born into a wealthy Anglo Norman family around 1260, she managed to amass significant wealth through her shrewd money-lending business across multiple marriages:

"She becomes known and is known... she is very much, you know, she's part of the establishment at this point." ([25:13] Anthony Delaney)

Her successive marriages to affluent men—William Outlaw, a wealthy merchant; a Tipperary moneylender; Richard Duvall, a landowner; and John Lepuer, a nobleman—resulted in the untimely deaths of each husband, raising eyebrows and suspicions of foul play.

Accusations of Witchcraft: The Rise of Suspicion

The heart of Alice's controversy lies in the mysterious deaths of her husbands and the subsequent allegations of witchcraft. Bishop Richard de Ledred, an outsider with a zealous adherence to Pope John XXII's strict moral codes, becomes the primary antagonist in Alice's tale:

"Rumours of Dame Alice Kittler's supposed diabolical abilities ripple through Kilkenny... she has employed the power of evil spirits to multiply her riches and cast down her enemies." ([38:50] Anthony Delaney)

Key accusations include the discovery of "satanic relics," bones, powders, and dark potions in her household, allegedly used in rituals to enchant and curse her husbands.

Key Figures and Alliances

• Bishop Richard de Ledred ([40:20] Anthony Delaney): Appointed as the Bishop of Ossory in 1317, his arrival in Kilkenny brings a new wave of ecclesiastical scrutiny and a mission to root out heresy.

• Petronella the Meath ([46:02] Anthony Delaney): Alice's loyal maid, portrayed as a central figure in the alleged coven, making her a target for bishop-led investigations.

• William Outlaw Jr. ([29:09] Maddy Pelling): Alice's son from her first marriage, steadfastly supports his mother against the mounting accusations.

• Arnold Le Poyer ([42:19] Anthony Delaney): A prominent Kilkenny citizen siding with Alice, eventually facing excommunication for protecting her from ecclesiastical retribution.

Social Dynamics and Gender Roles

The episode underscores the stark contrast between the literary depiction of powerful medieval women and the harsh realities of their societal roles. While legends speak of warrior queens like Maeve, historical records reveal that women like Alice Kittler had limited legal independence, often reliant on male relatives for power and legitimacy.

"Women are often seen more alike to an independent adult son... the uselessness of an heir." ([18:55] Anthony Delaney)

Bishop de Ledred: The Catalyst for Accusation

Bishop de Ledred's tenure in Kilkenny is marked by his intolerance for perceived heresy and his quest to enforce stricter moral codes. His antagonistic relationship with local figures like Arnold Le Poyer further complicates the narrative, positioning him as a relentless pursuer of Alice.

"He's pissing everybody off... Arnold Le Poyer is absolutely not enamored of the bishop and they had so much tension between them that the Poyer is actually excommunicated for protecting heretics, namely Alice eventually." ([43:51] Anthony Delaney)

The Shadow of the Knights Templar

Anthony connects the timeline of Alice's story with broader European events, notably the persecution of the Knights Templar:

"The Knights Templars are found guilty of witchcraft just before this history unfolds in 1314." ([20:45] Anthony Delaney)

This connection hints at the pervasive fear and suspicion of heresy during this period, amplifying the severity of Alice's accusations.

Conclusion: A Tale Unfinished

As the episode draws to a close, hosts tease the impending trial, leaving listeners eager for the continuation in part two. The intricate web of alliances, accusations, and historical context sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Dame Alice Kittler's fate.

"But to find out about that trial, you're going to have to join us in episode two." ([52:35] Maddy Pelling)

Notable Quotes

• "How do you look away when you're witnessing history?" ([02:26] Anthony Delaney)

• "So he's, at the very least, let's say at the very, very least, she is dividing their wealth and therefore accumulating her own substantial wealth through all of these marriages." ([32:58] Anthony Delaney)

Final Thoughts

Ireland's First Witch: Medieval Murderer? (Part 1) serves as a captivating introduction to Dame Alice Kittler's story, blending historical analysis with narrative storytelling. By examining the intersection of gender, power, and superstition in medieval Kilkenny, Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of one of Ireland's most intriguing historical figures. As the saga continues, the audience is left to ponder the truth behind the myths and the true nature of Alice's legacy.

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