THE COMMON HANGMAN English and Scottish Hangmen Before the Abolition of Public Executions

Softcover. 2nd Edn. A book detailing the horrific and often sordid lives of English and Scottish Hangmen from our earliest records to the end of public hangings. The hangman not only executed felons by many gruesome methods; he also tortured his victims in many cases. Features amongst others : Gregory Brandon, who once had been convicted of manslaughter, and his son Richard, who allegedly confessed to being the executioner of Charles I. Jack Ketch, the executioner of the Duke of Monmouth, whose name became the traditional name for the hangman in many parts of Britain. John Price and John Thrift, who were both convicted of murder, and William Curry, who had twice been sentenced to death for stealing sheep. A fascinating gallery of outlandish figures, full of authentic details from contemporary sources of information. Profusely Illus. + Sources and Index. 202pp. trade size softcover. Vg+