Reprieved at Lincoln: Lucy Ann Buxton, Emma Wade and Selina Stanhope

In the second half of the nineteenth century, three women from different social backgrounds were convicted of infanticide and sentenced to death at the Lincoln Assizes. All three women were eventually reprieved from the hangman's noose by order of the Home Secretary. Reprieved at Lincoln explores the stories of these women and the impact of their crimes on their communities, using contemporary sources and unpublished documents to shed new light on judicial processes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

In the latter half of the nineteenth century, three women from vastly different social backgrounds found themselves facing the grim fate of being convicted of infanticide and sentenced to death at the Lincoln Assizes. Lucy Ann Buxton, hailing from Metheringham Fen, was a petty criminal whose mother was an opium addict. Emma Wade, from Stamford, was the daughter of a respected policeman. On the other hand, Selina Stanhope, from Langtoft, near Market Deeping, had been rejected by her family and ended up in the workhouse as a destitute pauper.

Despite their vastly different circumstances, these three women shared a common bond: they were all accused of killing their own children. The reasons behind their actions were as diverse as their backgrounds, with Lucy Ann Buxton's mother's addiction playing a significant role in her decision to abandon her child. Emma Wade's crime was driven by her desire to escape an unhappy marriage, while Selina Stanhope's act was a result of her desperation and poverty.

However, their stories took a surprising turn when the Home Secretary intervened and granted them reprieve from the hangman's noose. This decision was met with mixed reactions, with some members of the public questioning the fairness of the justice system and others expressing relief that these women would not face the ultimate punishment.

Reprieved at Lincoln delves into the harrowing tales of these women and the profound impact their crimes had on their respective communities. Drawing from a wide array of contemporary sources, the book also uncovers previously unpublished documents related to the three cases, shedding new light on the judicial processes that were sometimes shrouded in secrecy and silence.

Through its meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Reprieved at Lincoln offers a unique perspective on a dark chapter of British history. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of adversity.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805140580