The life and death of Margaret Coghlin: the last woman executed in Tasmania

In the Victorian Era, women had exceptionally restricted rights, they were unable to vote or sue and had precise limited rights to own property. Many Victorian women endured their husband’s control and regular cruelty with seemingly no way out of the situation. Domestic Violence in the nineteenth century, as unfortunately still occurs today, included intimidation, degradation, isolation and domination through the use or threat of physical violence. So it was with Margaret Coghlin, the wife of boarding housekeeper and milkman, John Coghlin. Their tragic story has been compiled from historical records, newspaper reports and official documents from Coroners and Supreme Court trial transcripts.

Brian Rieusset is an historical researcher and author. He has had a diverse professional life in electronics with ABC Radio & TV; then a year in Antarctica on the construction of the Casey Station. Moving to the College of Advanced Education and later the University of Tasmania, he specialized in Audio Visual and Educational Television, including years as a UNESCO Consultant in developing world countries. Finally, as Site Manager and Curator of the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site in Hobart he accomplished the research, restoration, development and presentation of that renowned Colonial Heritage Site. He now concentrates on Family History, Convict and Gaol historical research. Among his six books are The Jacksons of Hamilton, Maria Island Convicts 1825-1832 and You Can’t Hang Me For It - Life of James Mitchell.