Bio

Margaret Dickson was born in about 1702 in Musselburgh, a small fishing town a few miles from Edinburgh. Her parents raised her with strict religious observance. From a young age she learned to work hard and help the family.

The town where she grew up was mainly made up of fishermen, gardeners, and people who made salt. Many women from Musselburgh earned money by carrying and selling goods in Edinburgh. Margaret learned to sell fish and to cry her wares in the streets.

She married a fisherman. He went to sea and was away for a long time. While he was gone, Margaret looked after their two children and continued to sell fish to earn a living.

Margaret left Musselburgh and stayed with relatives in Newcastle for a time. She later took work at an inn in Kelso in exchange for board and lodgings. Accounts say she became involved with the innkeeper’s son, William Bell. She was also known later by the nickname "Half Hangit Maggie."

Murder Story

Margaret Dickson, also known as "Half Hangit Maggie," was born in 1702. She is listed in the records as a murderer classified under infanticide. The victim was her newborn baby. The date given for the case is 1724 and the location is Edinburgh, Scotland. The method of the alleged killing is not recorded.

She worked as a domestic and later in an inn. She said she had become pregnant by one of the household sons. She concealed the pregnancy so she would not lose her job. A newborn baby was found dead and the discovery led investigators to her. She admitted the child was hers but said it had already been dead. She said her only crime was concealing the birth.

She was taken to Edinburgh for trial. Sources say the evidence was weak, but she was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. The execution took place on 2 September 1724 at the Grassmarket in Edinburgh. A large crowd watched the public hanging.

After the hanging her body was cut down and placed in a coffin for burial. While the coffin was being carried away, people heard noises from inside. The coffin was opened and she was found alive. Officials gave her a full pardon after she revived. She went on to live for many years after the event.

She became known by the nickname "Half Hangit Maggie." Some accounts say she lived about 25 more years. Other details vary between sources.