This talk explores the folklore of the otherworld and magic as relevant to this case as well as examining the sociocultural reality and political dynamics at play in late-nineteenth century Ireland.
On 15th March 1895, 26-year-old Bridget Cleary was burned, most likely burned alive. While in her nightdress, her husband, Michael, threw lamp oil over her in the presence of relatives and neighbours gathered at their home in Ballyvadlea, a townland outside the village of Cloneen in County Tipperary. In the trial records, Michael Cleary and others involved claimed that they believed there was a changeling, a fairy creature, in Bridget’s place and that they were attempting to get the real Bridget back. This talk explores the folklore of the otherworld and magic as relevant to this case as well as examining the sociocultural reality and political dynamics at play in late-nineteenth century Ireland.
Dr Jenny Butler is a Lecturer in University College Cork’s Study of Religions Department and a Principal Investigator of UCC’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI). She is the President of the Irish Society for the Academic Study of Religions (ISASR). Her research interests are at the nexus of the study of religion and folklore, including otherworld traditions, mythology, pilgrimage, sacred landscapes, and ritual studies.
Admission is €10 (cash only)
Booking in advance
Email to museum@tipperarycoco.ie
