History Extra Podcast Summary: "Women Killers of the Early Modern Era"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Women Killers of the Early Modern Era," released on March 19, 2025, the History Extra podcast delves into the intriguing and often sensationalized narratives surrounding female murderers in early modern Britain. Hosted by Immediate Media, the episode features historian Blessing Adams, author of Thou Savage Female Killers in Early Modern Britain. Adams explores the societal obsession with women who committed lethal acts, dissecting what these stories reveal about historical attitudes towards gender, justice, and power.

The Obsession with Female Killers

Blessing Adams opens the discussion by highlighting a perplexing trend she encountered during her research: the disproportionate focus on female murderers in early modern true crime literature. She notes, “Was there an epidemic of female killers?… Women hardly ever killed” (03:24). Despite the rarity of such crimes, the literature was rife with accounts of women who killed, particularly those who murdered close family members. Adams was fascinated by this discrepancy, prompting her to investigate the underlying reasons for this societal fixation.

Representation of Female Killers in Media

Adams explains that female murderers were depicted in the media with extreme horror and disdain. She states, “There was no sympathetic view of women who killed… women were often described as being unwoman, unhuman, monstrous” (04:29 - 04:42). This dehumanizing rhetoric served to reinforce contemporary gender norms, portraying women as incapable of extreme violence. Such language not only sensationalized the crimes but also perpetuated stereotypes about female nature.

Gender Roles and Blame

A significant theme discussed is the societal need to place blame on women for committing crimes, even in cases where men were the primary aggressors. For instance, Adams recounts the case of Letitia Wigginton, who, alongside her lodger, killed her maid servant. Despite the man delivering the fatal blow, historical accounts excessively emphasized the woman’s role (05:05 - 05:28). This tendency reflects a broader patriarchal bias, where women were scapegoated to maintain control over social hierarchies.

Comparison with Male Violence

Adams contrasts the portrayal of female violence with that of male violence in the early modern period. While male aggression, such as dueling, was often considered noble or honorable, female violence was deemed unnatural and monstrous. She explains, “Male violence was considered to be the natural, vigorous, virile, manly violence… whereas female violence was either laughable or monstrous” (08:27 - 09:22). This stark difference underscores the gendered expectations of behavior and the societal double standards applied to acts of violence.

Female Methods of Murder

The episode explores why certain methods of murder, like poisoning, were associated predominantly with women. Adams elaborates, “Poisoning was considered the ideal weapon for women because it was non-confrontational, secretive, and dishonorable” (11:03 - 12:11). This perception aligned with the prevailing view of women as weaker and more deceitful, reinforcing stereotypes about their abilities and moral character.

Public Fascination and Depiction

Public executions were not only punitive measures but also spectacles that drew large crowds. Adams describes how the bodies of executed criminals became macabre tourist attractions, with notable cases like Elizabeth Evans’ preserved body becoming subjects of gruesome fascination (20:54 - 21:26). These public displays amplified the sensationalism surrounding female murderers, embedding these stories into the collective historical consciousness.

Case Studies: Margaret Burnseed

One poignant case discussed is Margaret Burnseed, who was implicated in her husband's murder not due to evidence but because of her perceived lack of emotional response. Adams recounts, “There was absolutely no evidence linking Margaret to the murder… she was condemned to death on the grounds of her moral character” (22:49 - 24:35). This case exemplifies how societal expectations of female behavior were used to justify harsh punishments, often disregarding the actual circumstances or evidence.

Execution and Pleading the Belly

Adams touches on the desperate measures women took to avoid execution, such as pleading the belly—a claim of pregnancy meant to delay or avert their death sentences. She explains, “Pleading the belly was a last-ditch effort to save oneself… it involved examination by a jury of matrons” (27:46 - 28:22). While sometimes successful, these pleas often led to public ridicule and further stigmatization of the women involved.

Parallels with Modern Day

Drawing parallels to contemporary society, Adams observes that the skepticism and scrutiny women face in criminal cases remain strikingly similar to those of the past. She reflects, “The emotional responses of women are interrogated to such an absurd degree… some things never change” (32:42 - 33:17). This continuity highlights persistent issues in how female criminality is perceived and addressed both historically and today.

Conclusion

Through detailed analysis and compelling case studies, Blessing Adams elucidates how early modern Britain’s obsession with female murderers was less about the women themselves and more about reinforcing societal norms and gender roles. The episode sheds light on the intersections of gender, power, and justice, revealing enduring patterns in the portrayal and treatment of women who transgressed societal expectations. Adams concludes with a reflective note on the importance of recognizing these historical biases, emphasizing the need for continued progress in understanding and addressing female criminality without prejudice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Was there an epidemic of female killers?… Women hardly ever killed” (03:24).
• “There was no sympathetic view of women who killed… women were often described as being unwoman, unhuman, monstrous” (04:29 - 04:42).
• “Poisoning was considered the ideal weapon for women because it was non-confrontational, secretive, and dishonorable” (11:03 - 12:11).
• “The emotional responses of women are interrogated to such an absurd degree… some things never change” (32:42 - 33:17).

This comprehensive exploration by Blessing Adams not only uncovers the historical narratives of female murderers but also invites listeners to reflect on the enduring stereotypes and biases that continue to shape our understanding of gender and justice.