1677: Woman hanged for bestiality thanks to tail-wagging dog

In 1677 a married woman, Mary Hickes, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with bestiality. According to the prosecutor, Mrs Hickes:

“…to the disgrace of all womankind did commit buggery with a mongrel dog, and wickedly, devilishly and against nature had venereal and carnal copulation with him.”

A significant witness for the prosecution was a female neighbour, who “happening to cast her eye” into Hickes’ house:

“…saw such actions with a dog as are not fit here to be recited.”

But the key witness was the dog in question, who was summoned to the courtroom and “set on the bar before the prisoner”. Hickes’ fate was apparently sealed by the dog:

“…wagging his tail and making motions, as it were, to kiss her.”

Both Hickes and the dog were later hanged at Tyburn.

Source: Old Bailey Proceedings, July 1677, 11-1. Content on this page is © Alpha History 2019-23. Content may not be republished without our express permission. For more information please refer to our Terms of Use or contact Alpha History.