The tragic murder of Bridget Cleary in 1895 remains one of the most haunting and bizarre cases in Irish history. Known as “the last witch burned in Ireland,” Bridget’s death was shrouded in a mixture of superstition, folklore, and ignorance that led to her brutal demise at the hands of her husband, Michael Cleary. This article explores the disturbing details of her murder, the societal context, and the aftermath, including the chilling belief in changelings that fueled this horror.

The Murder of Bridget Cleary

Born in 1869 in Ballyvadlea, County Tipperary, Bridget Cleary was a progressive and independent woman for her time, working as a dressmaker and milliner. However, her life came to a horrific end when her husband, Michael, and other relatives believed she had been replaced by a changeling—a fairy creature in Irish folklore. In a state of delusion, Michael attempted to exorcise the supposed changeling by burning her alive, believing that by doing so, the real Bridget would return.

The belief that fairies abducted humans and left changelings in their place was widely held in rural Ireland during the 19th century. Bridget’s illness, later diagnosed as bronchitis, was thought to be the work of fairies by her family, and they subjected her to a series of rituals to drive out the fairy spirit. These rituals culminated in her violent death when Michael, in front of multiple witnesses, set her body on fire. Michael justified his actions by claiming, “She is not my wife, but a changeling.”

The Trial and Superstition’s Role

Following Bridget’s death, nine people, including her husband, were arrested and charged in connection with the murder. The trial revealed how deeply ingrained superstition and fairy folklore were in the community, with many of those involved believing that the rituals would save Bridget. Michael Cleary was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder and sentenced to 20 years of penal servitude. He was released after serving 15 years and emigrated to Canada.

One of the most shocking aspects of the trial was the jury being led to view Bridget’s body, burned beyond recognition, yet still identifiable. This visual evidence helped convey the full brutality of her death.

Public Reaction and Legacy

The murder of Bridget Cleary sent shockwaves across Ireland and abroad, with newspapers at the time questioning the Irish people’s capacity for self-governance. The case was widely seen as emblematic of the dangers posed by superstition and the backwardness of rural Irish society. The coroner examining her body stated, “Amongst Hottentots, one would not expect to hear of such an occurrence,” highlighting the derogatory attitudes towards Irish culture at the time.

Over time, the case has been immortalized in literature, music, and even podcasts, with many referring to Bridget Cleary as the “last witch burned in Ireland.” However, it’s essential to note that Bridget was never formally accused of witchcraft—rather, she was thought to be a victim of fairy folklore.

A Tragic Reminder of Folklore’s Dark Side

Bridget Cleary’s murder is a chilling reminder of the dark side of superstition and the devastating consequences of deeply held cultural beliefs. While her story is often framed as a witch-burning, it reveals much more about how fear, ignorance, and folklore can combine to create a deadly cocktail. Bridget’s death may have been Ireland’s last “witch” burning, but it also marked a turning point in how the country viewed its ancient beliefs in fairies and folklore.

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