The narrative follows the life of a woman born in 1768, who, from a young age, displayed cunning and a lack of moral principles. After a series of petty thefts, she moved to York and then Leeds, where she worked as a mantua-maker and began fortune-telling. She married John Bateman, a man unaware of her criminal activities, and adopted the persona of a witch, claiming to possess supernatural powers through a fictitious accomplice named Mrs. Moore. Her fraudulent activities escalated as she manipulated vulnerable individuals, convincing them to part with their money and possessions under the guise of witchcraft and fortune-telling. She exploited the misfortunes of others, including a widow and her children, persuading them to sell their belongings and entrust her with their money, which she then stole. Bateman's schemes included convincing a family that their son was in danger, leading them to give her money and valuables for protection charms. She also took advantage of a tragic fire in Leeds, collecting donations under false pretenses. Her deceitful practices continued as she ingratiated herself with various families, ultimately leading to the deaths of several individuals, including the Kitchin sisters, whom she poisoned while pretending to care for them. As her crimes became more audacious, she was implicated in the murder of Rebecca Perigo, a woman who died after consuming food laced with poison that Bateman had provided. The investigation into her activities revealed a pattern of manipulation, theft, and ultimately, murder. Bateman was arrested and tried for her crimes, maintaining her innocence despite overwhelming evidence against her. She was found guilty and sentenced to death. In the days leading up to her execution, she continued to exhibit her manipulative nature, even attempting to deceive fellow prisoners. On March 20, 1809, she was executed, denying her guilt until the end. Following her death, her body was displayed for public viewing, generating significant revenue for the local infirmary. Her remains were later dissected, and her skin was tanned and distributed as a macabre souvenir. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral corruption.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1920 · Genre: True Crime, Historical Fiction, Biography