Elizabeth Ridgeway

Elizabeth Ridgeway
Born
Elizabeth Husbands

prior to 1653
Ibstock, Leicestershire, England
Died24 March 1684
Leicester, England
OccupationServant
Criminal chargeMurder
PenaltyDeath by burning
Details
Victims4
Span of crimes
1681–1684
CountryKingdom of England

Elizabeth Ridgeway (died 24 March 1684) was an English woman convicted of poisoning her husband.[1] While awaiting execution by burning at the stake, she confessed to previously poisoning her mother, a fellow servant, and a lover.

Ridgeway poisoned each of her victims by mixing white mercury or arsenic into her intended victim's food or drink.[2]

  1. ^ Newton, John (1684). The penitent recognition of Joseph's brethren. London: Printed for Richard Chiswel. p. 1.
  2. ^ A True Relation of Four Most Barbarous and Cruel Murders Committed in Leicestershire by Elizabeth Ridgeway. London: Printed by Geo[rge]. Croom, at the Sign of the Blew Ball over against Baynard's Castle in Thames-street. 1684 – via Google Books.