The Woman Who Was Burned Alive For Unlocking A Door
In the bustling streets of King’s Lynn in 1730, a young servant named Mary Taylor found herself embroiled in a series of events that would lead to a very painful and tragic end. Employed by Mrs Ann Wright in the Queen’s Head at 45 High Street, Mary’s life took a dark turn when she became involved with George Smith, a notorious rogue and petty thief.
Mary Taylor: A Dangerous Liaison in King’s Lynn
Mary’s relationship with Smith was met with disappointment by those who knew her. Smith’s reputation as a volatile and manipulative figure preceded him, and he was known for involving others in risky criminal schemes. Despite warnings, Mary became infatuated with Smith, who soon manipulated her into helping him rob her employer.
Mary Taylor: The Ill-Fated Plan
Smith devised a seemingly simple plan: Mary would unlock the back door of the Queen’s Head for him in the dead of night. This would apparently allow him to commit the robbery while she could feign ignorance. On 16 November 1730, Mary quietly opened the door and let Smith into the pub. Mary started to return to bed, hoping to leave Smith to commit the crime undetected. However, their plan quickly unravelled when Mrs Wright was alerted by the noise of a clumsy Smith trying to negotiate the minefield of the pub’s pewter pots, plates, and mugs in the darkness.
Ann Wright: A Violent Encounter Off the High Street, King’s Lynn
With a lamp in her hand, Mrs Wright encountered Mary coming up the stairs. She pushed the young woman aside and demanded to know who was there. In a state of panic and rage, Smith attacked the landlady. Despite her fierce resistance and screams for help, Smith overpowered her. In his desperation to silence her frantic cries and make his escape, Smith strangled Mrs Wright until she was lifeless.
Smith’s violent actions not only resulted in Mrs Wright’s death but also sealed his fate and that of Mary Taylor. The murder alarmed neighbours who quickly alerted authorities, leading to Smith’s capture. In an attempt to mitigate his own punishment, Smith implicated Mary as an accomplice in the crime.
Mary Taylor: The Harsh Consequences – Petty Treason
Both were swiftly brought to trial for their crimes in the Holy Trinity Guildhall. Smith was found guilty of murder and sentenced to be hanged. Mary Taylor, charged with “petty treason” for betraying her mistress by aiding in the robbery, faced an even harsher punishment – execution by burning at the stake.
The Petty Treason laws in England were a set of laws that existed from 1351 to 1828. They defined a specific type of treason as the murder of a social superior, such as a wife killing her husband, a servant killing their master, or a clergyman killing their superior. This distinction between “high treason” (against the king) and “petty treason” was based on the idea of violating a hierarchical social order. The punishment for petty treason was often harsher than for regular murder, reflecting the greater perceived harm to the social fabric.
Mary Taylor’s involvement in opening the door received the more severe punishment as it was seen as a severe breach of trust between servant and mistress.
George Smith and Mary Taylor: Different Executions in King’s Lynn
On 1 April 1731 a massive crowd gathered at Lynn’s Tuesday marketplace. Smith met his end at the gallows with defiance. One can only imagine the state of Mary’s mind as she faced the flames 17 yards away from the gallows. Her execution highlighted the harsh realities of justice in 18th-century England.
One of the most chilling details is financial. The records show theypayments for the execution: £1 10s to Richard Johnson for conducting it; 2s 6d each to two assistants for tending the fire; and a total cost of £10 19s 5d, including the gibbet, faggots, porters, constables, and javelin men.
That detail turns the event from lurid anecdote into civic machinery. Lynn did not merely witness the punishment. It organised it, staffed it, supplied materials for it, and paid the bill.
© James Rye 2025
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Sources
- Executions in King’s Lynn – https://circato.co.uk/executions-in-kings-lynn
- Storey, N.R. (2012) Norfolk Villains: Rogues, Rascals, and Reprobates, The History Press
- Personal correspondence with Mike Brown, King’s Lynn Town Guide
- Petty Treason – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petty_treason
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