The Grim Fate of the Two Marys

The unsettling stories of Mary Ashford and Mary Voce serve as a sobering reminder of the severe injustices that permeated the 19th-century criminal justice system in Coventry. Accused of murder and infanticide respectively, these two women faced the ultimate penalty despite questionable evidence, a stark contrast to modern legal standards. Their tragic fates not only reflect the harsh realities of their time but also marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history, as their executions heralded the end of public hangings and signaled a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards crime and punishment. Delving deeper into the grim details of their cases sheds light on a significant and troubling chapter in Coventry’s past.

Good To Know

• The tour focuses on the execution of two women, Mary Ashford and Mary Voce, who were hanged in Coventry in the early 19th century.
• Mary Ashford was accused of murder in 1817 despite lack of evidence, while Mary Voce was convicted of infanticide and executed in 1849.
• The cases of the two Marys highlighted the harsh justice system of the time, where minor crimes could lead to severe punishments like execution.
• The events marked the end of public executions in Coventry, as societal attitudes shifted away from the gruesome spectacle of such events.
• The tour provides insights into the grim realities and dark chapter of Coventry’s history, exploring the harsh justice system and its impact on the community.

Overview of the Tour

The "The Grim Fate of the Two Marys" tour is a 1.5-hour walking experience that takes participants through the haunting history of Coventry’s last two women to face public gallows.

Conducted in English, the tour is wheelchair accessible and meets outside the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

Visitors have the flexibility to reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour delves into the grim realities of justice, offering a chilling account of these tragic events that marked the end of public executions in the region.

Booking Information

For those interested in the "The Grim Fate of the Two Marys" tour, the booking process offers convenient options.

The tour is priced from Kč349 per person, with a "reserve now, pay later" policy. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Participants can check availability for starting times to find the most suitable option. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors.

With these flexible booking arrangements, guests can easily secure their spot and look forward to the chilling historical journey.

• Prices from Kč349 per person
• Reserve now, pay later
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

Historical Context

This tour focuses on the grim fate of Coventry’s last two women to face public gallows, a chilling chapter in the city’s history that marked the end of public executions and reflected the harsh realities of justice during that era.

The women, both named Mary, were executed on Whitley Common and Cuckoo Lane for their alleged crimes.

These events serve as a sobering reminder of the severity of punishment and the sometimes capricious nature of the justice system at the time.

The tour explores the historical context surrounding these tragic incidents, providing insight into the social and legal dynamics that led to their grim fates.

Experience Highlights

Guided by a professional tour guide, the walking tour offers a captivating exploration of the true history of crime and punishment in Coventry.

Through chilling stories, you will uncover the grim fate of the two Marys, the last two women to face public execution in the city.

The tour highlights:

• Immersive storytelling that brings the past to life
• Insights into the harsh realities of justice during that era
• A somber reflection on the end of public executions in Coventry

This unique experience provides a thought-provoking look into a dark chapter of the city’s history, leaving a lasting impression on all who embark on this poignant journey.

Participant Information

Although the tour is not recommended for children under 10 years of age, participants have the flexibility to select the number of attendees and the preferred date during the booking process.

This allows visitors to tailor the experience to their needs, whether they are attending as a group or as individuals.

The tour’s focus on the grim realities of Coventry’s history may not be suitable for younger audiences, but the opportunity to explore this dark chapter in the city’s past is an engaging and thought-provoking experience for those with a keen interest in local history.

Participants can reserve their spots and finalize the details at their convenience.

The Two Marys

Two young women, both named Mary, met a grim fate in Coventry’s history. In the late 1700s, Mary Ashford and Mary Voce were the last two women to face public execution in the city. Their stories reflect the harsh realities of the justice system at the time:

• Mary Ashford was accused of murder, despite a lack of evidence, and was hanged on Whitley Common in 1817.

• Mary Voce was convicted of infanticide and executed on Cuckoo Lane in 1849, marking the end of public executions in Coventry.

These tragic events signified a shift in societal attitudes, as the public spectacle of executions became increasingly unpalatable.

Coventry’s Harsh Realities

The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked a harsh era in Coventry’s history, as the city grappled with the realities of crime and punishment.

Public executions were a common spectacle, drawing large crowds to witness the gruesome fate of the condemned.

The cases of the two Marys highlighted the harsh justice system of the time, where even minor crimes could lead to the noose.

These events signified the end of public executions in Coventry, as the community grappled with the morality and efficacy of such harsh punishments.

The tour explores this grim chapter, providing a chilling glimpse into Coventry’s past and the harsh realities that shaped its history.

Sum Up

The grim fates of Mary Ashford and Mary Voce serve as haunting reminders of the brutal justice system in 19th-century Coventry. Their stories reflect the harsh realities of the time and mark the end of public executions in the region, highlighting societal shifts in attitudes towards crime and punishment. This tour provides a sobering exploration of these historical events and their lasting impact on the community.