The Case of Honora Concannon

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The Case of Honora Concannon One famous trial held in Co. Clare, reported in the Dublin Evening

Post in July 1824, was that of Honora Concannon, a prostitute, for the

murder of William Higgins, a beggar from Corofin in Co. Clare. The

evidence against her was so strong that the Jury returned a verdict of

guilty without leaving the box. Concannon was sentenced to death by

hanging. She was placed with a rope around her neck after having

severely bitten the executioner. She struggled relentlessly as she

kicked and cursed those around her. When the drop fell, one of her

legs remained on the frame until the executioner removed it with force

and she subsequently died unrepentant.

Severe forms of punishment were applied during the 18th and 19th

Centuries. Stocks were an instrument of punishment whereby the

perpetrator’s hands, head and feet were locked in between lengths of

timber. A person could be left in this position for several hours.

Another form of punishment used was the Ducking Stool, which was a

seat attached to a long pole mounted on a support. A scold or nagging

woman would be strapped in the stool and ducked in the waters of the

river. A Whipping Post was a timber pole to which the prisoner would

be strapped and flogged.

Some prisoners "stood mute," refusing to answer "guilty" or "not

guilty" to the charges against them. In such cases, they would be

stretched out on the ground and pressed with crushing lead weights

until they spoke. Sometimes they died in the process. Up until 1774,

prisoners who were discharged or found not guilty through trial

usually h...

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topics covered here: -

Executions

Sending to the Armed forces

Transportation

Imprisonment in Prison Hulks

Imprisonment in Houses of Correction, Gaols and Penitentiaries

During the 18th century the number of crimes punishable by death rose

to about 200. Some, such as treason or murder, were serious crimes,

but in other cases people could be sentenced to death for what we

would think of as minor offences. For example, the death sentence

could be passed for picking pockets, stealing bread or cutting down a

tree. These were the kinds of crime likely to be committed by those in

most desperate need. In time of war it was often difficult to recruit,

especially to the navy, as people knew how hard the conditions were on

board ship. Some prisoners were therefore sentenced to serve in the

forces.

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