'I Thought from Her Appearance That She Was in the Family Way': Detecting Infanticide Cases In Ireland, 1900–1921

Abstract

Between 1900 and 1919 nine hundred cases of infanticide and concealment of birth were recorded as being known to the police in Ireland. There was often no suspect in these cases and many more infanticides must have gone undetected during the first two decades of the 20th century. This article examines the ways in which infanticide cases involving unmarried women came to police attention in Ireland between 1900 and 1921. Many suspected cases of infanticide at the time were investigated by the police because of 'information' they received from members of the public. A considerable number of investigations began even before a body was discovered. It is clear from an examination of these cases that the sexual behaviour of single women, particularly those living in tight-knit rural communities, was closely monitored. This article also explores the ways in which employers, doctors and the relatives of unmarried women responded to suspected cases of infanticide.