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Lady Betty, the Hangwoman

Roscommon

A woman sentenced to death who became the hangman herself.

Legend says Lady Betty killed a lodger for his money, only to find he was her long-lost son. She was sentenced to hang, but when the hangman fell ill she offered to do the job to save her own life.

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When
Late 1700s
Where
53.6320, -8.1900
Group
Gibbets & executions

Visiting

The old gaol building stands on the main square in Roscommon.

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