Bridget Cleary Ireland’s Last Witch Trial
In the spring of 1895, in rural County Tipperary, Ireland, a tragic and unsettling story unfolded—one that would grip the country and be whispered about for years to come.
Bridget Cleary, a spirited and independent young woman, died under horrifying circumstances at the hands of her husband, Michael Cleary.
Though often referred to in popular memory as Ireland’s “last witch-burning,” the tragedy was entwined with the belief in fairies—specifically, the fear of changelings—rather than witchcraft.
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Bridget Boland an Independent Spirit
Bridget Boland was born around 1869 in the small community of Ballyvadlea. Even as a child, she stood out for her modern sensibilities. She learned dressmaking and was known to dress stylishly, and many remarked on her quick intelligence.
Her marriage to Michael Cleary, a cooper (barrel-maker), seemed to offer stability and a certain freedom for Bridget: she was often described as self-sufficient and unafraid to be her own person.
Yet, alongside this progressive streak, rural Ireland still held fast to old beliefs. Stories of the “Good People,” or fairies, abounded. Superstitions about changelings—fairies who could replace ordinary people—were passed down through generations around cosy hearths.
Illness Takes Hold
In early March 1895, Bridget fell ill with a debilitating sickness—likely bronchitis or pneumonia. Symptoms worsened quickly, leaving her weak and bedridden.
As the illness lingered, Michael and some of the couple’s relatives grew increasingly uneasy. For many, unexplained illnesses could arouse suspicions of “otherworldly” causes.
The family sought assistance from a local doctor who arrived a week after the illness had been reported. He diagnosed bronchitis and prescribed medicine to help with her sickness. At this stage Bridgets condition was so bad that a priest was also called for to administer last rights.
Advice from Local Fairy Experts
Word of Bridget’s peculiar illness spread in the tight-knit community, reaching individuals known for their knowledge of Irish folklore. These “fairy doctors” or local wise people offered folk remedies and claimed insights into how to identify and deal with changelings.
Fairy Doctors
- In rural Ireland, the term “fairy doctor” referred to someone who had inherited or cultivated knowledge of folk cures and protective charms against fairy mischief. They were neither licensed doctors nor sanctioned healers. Yet, their influence was significant in communities where many still clung to older traditions.
Instructions to Exorcise a Changeling
- Michael Cleary was advised that if his wife were genuinely replaced by a changeling, specific rituals—often involving special herbs, forced consumption of potions, and repeated questioning—could force the fairy to reveal itself or “depart,” bringing the real Bridget back.
- The local experts insisted that these practices had been passed down for generations and that failure to act swiftly could result in a permanent replacement, with Bridget lost forever in the fairy realm.
Stoking Michael’s Fears
- Under this guidance, Michael’s existing suspicions hardened into conviction. He believed wholeheartedly that his once-vivacious wife was now under fairy influence. The local experts did not necessarily advocate violence; however, their suggestions—such as forcibly administering herbal concoctions, making the afflicted recite prayers, and keeping them near a fire to “smoke out” fairy spirits—escalated the danger.
- These recommendations carried weight in a close-knit rural setting where religious faith and folk superstition coexisted. Michael and other relatives, themselves terrified for Bridget’s well-being, latched onto any hope of curing her ailment.
Descent Into Violence
As Bridget’s sickness persisted, Michael resorted to increasingly brutal measures, driven by his terror of losing his “real” wife. In mid-March, the situation spiralled out of control.
During a climactic confrontation, Michael, with the help of the silence of others present, subjected Bridget to tormenting rituals intended to force the fairy’s departure.
The final, horrifying scene unfolded on the night of March 15, 1895. Michael demanded Bridget declare her identity, forcing her to swallow bitter concoctions.
Then, in a fit of rage stoked by fear, he set her clothing on fire, proclaiming that the heat would drive out the changeling. The flames soon consumed Bridget. Whether the local experts had encouraged such an extreme act is unclear, but Michael’s distorted belief that he was battling a fairy sealed Bridget’s fate.
The Aftermath and Trial
News of Bridget Cleary’s shocking death spread quickly through County Tipperary and beyond. Authorities discovered her charred remains in a shallow grave near the house.
Michael Cleary and several others were promptly arrested. The following sensational trial drew widespread attention, exemplifying the tension between Ireland’s robust legal system and the persistent undercurrent of folklore in rural areas.
Conviction
- Michael Cleary was ultimately convicted of manslaughter rather than murder, reflecting the jury’s view that genuine belief in supernatural forces may have affected his mental state. He served 15 years in prison.
Others Involved
- Family members and neighbours who were present, whether actively participating or failing to intervene, were also charged in various capacities. Their level of involvement ranged from assisting with the so-called “cure” to simply not stopping Michael’s final, fatal act.
A Haunting Legacy
Over time, Bridget’s murder would be colloquially dubbed the “last witch-burning in Ireland,” even though it was fueled by fairy-changeling lore rather than accusations of witchcraft. The grim truth remains: a vibrant young woman lost her life to a lethal blend of superstition, fear, and the power of communal belief.
In many ways, Bridget Cleary’s story symbolizes the clash between Ireland’s evolving modernity and the deep-seated traditions that still held sway in rural communities.
Historians note that it highlights the dangerous extremes to which folklore can be taken—especially when combined with personal fears and social pressures.
Today, her story persists in ballads, academic works, and cautionary tales. A haunting nursery rhyme has been whispered through generations:
“Are you a witch, or are you a fairy?
Or are you the wife of Michael Cleary?”
It serves as a lingering reminder of the tragedy and a reflection on how swiftly uncertainty can lead to violence. As Ireland moved toward the 20th century, Bridget Cleary’s death remained a stark lesson that fear, fanned by superstition and questionable “expert” advice, can lead to unimaginable consequences.
