Mary Bateman, born Mary Harker in 1768 in Asenby, North Yorkshire, was the daughter of a farmer. She learned to read and write and began working as a servant in Thirsk at the age of 13. By her early twenties, she had moved to York and later to Leeds, working as a dressmaker and mantua maker. During this period, Mary developed a reputation as a fortune-teller and 'wise woman,' offering charms and potions to ward off evil spirits. In 1792, she married John Bateman, a wheelwright. 

Throughout her early life, Mary was involved in various fraudulent activities, thefts, and deceptions, often convincing her victims that she possessed supernatural powers. One of her notable hoaxes was the "Prophet Hen of Leeds" in 1806, where she claimed that a hen was laying eggs inscribed with the message "Christ is coming," exploiting the public's fear of impending doom.

In 1806, William and Rebecca Perigo sought Mary's assistance due to Rebecca's chest pains, believing they were the result of a curse. Mary prescribed special puddings, secretly laced with poison, which Rebecca consumed over several months. Rebecca's health deteriorated, leading to her death in May 1806. Mary continued to extract money from William under the pretense of providing protective charms. 

In October 1808, upon realizing the deceit, William reported Mary to the authorities. A search of her home uncovered poison and belongings of her victims, leading to her arrest. Mary was tried in York in March 1809, found guilty of murder and fraud, and sentenced to death. She was executed by hanging on March 20, 1809. Her body was later displayed publicly, with strips of her skin tanned and sold as charms to ward off evil spirits.