On 1 February 1758, a female child’s body was found on a midden in Berwick. Neighbours testified that Margaret Dryden appeared pregnant the previous day but no longer. A midwife also confirmed that she had recently given birth and blood stained clothes were found in her house. Margaret was arrested and an inquest held. The Jury concluded that after concealing its birth, the child was murdered. This verdict was influenced by evidence from the town’s surgeons – as the child’s lungs floated in water, this indicated that it had been born alive. Margaret was tried on 1 May 1758. Despite pleading not guilty, she was found guilty of the crime and sentenced to death on 3 May 1758.

This document illustrates some of the expenses which were incurred. The Hangman, George Lindsay, received various clothing for the occasion and his fees. Other officials were paid and amounts were included for the cart to transport her to Gallows Knowe - on the edge of the town - and the rope. Two other people are known to have been hanged in Berwick – Reverend John Smithson in 1672 for murdering his wife and Grace Griffen in 1823 for murdering her husband.