A Note from the New Owner
As the new custodian of CapitalPunishmentUK.org, I am honored to preserve and continue the work of this remarkable site. The original creator, Richard Clark, dedicated over 30 years to researching, compiling, and presenting the detailed history of capital punishment in the UK.
This research draws from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including:
- Official government documents and archives
- Historical newspapers and court records
- Media reports and academic studies
- Personal accounts, biographies, and scholarly works
His commitment to accuracy, depth, and historical integrity made this site a valued resource for students, historians, researchers, and the general public.
My Role Going Forward
While I am not the original author, I have acquired this site with a deep respect for its content and mission. My goal is to:
- Preserve the original research
- Improve usability and accessibility
- Keep the site online and updated where needed
If you find errors or have additional information that could enrich this archive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I welcome feedback from readers, researchers, and historians alike.
Editorial Disclaimer
This website is dedicated to providing factual information, historical records, and documented case studies related to capital punishment. Our goal is to present accurate and research-based content for educational, academic, and informational purposes only.
We do not endorse, promote, or glorify acts of violence, nor do we advocate for or against the use of capital punishment. All content is intended to encourage informed discussion and understanding of the subject matter.
Viewer discretion is advised, as some topics may be sensitive or disturbing to some readers.
Books by Richard Clark
The original author of this site, Richard Clark, published the following books based on his decades of research:
- Women and the Noose: A History of Female Execution
An in-depth look at women who faced the death penalty in Britain, including famous and lesser-known cases. - Capital Punishment in Britain
A comprehensive historical account of the legal, cultural, and moral evolution of the death penalty in the UK. - Hangmen at War (By Richard Clark and Traugott Vitz)
A look at the work of hangmen during World War II.
If you’re interested in further reading, both books expand on themes explored throughout the website.
Books and Bibliography
The following works were consulted by Richard Clark in the preparation of this website. They include primary sources, legal texts, case studies, and scholarly interpretations.
General Reference Works
- The Encyclopaedia of Executions – John J. Eddleston
- The Black Kalendar – Stewart P. Evans
- Hanged at… series – Tyne & Wear Archive
- The Newgate Calendar – Various editions
Historical and Judicial Studies
- The English Judicial System 1840–1940 – Clive Emsley
- The English Prison and Penal Reform – Victor Bailey
- Crime and Punishment in England – Richard Evans
- The Evolution of the English Justice System – Leon Radzinowicz
Notable Case Studies and Biographies
- Executioner: Pierrepoint – Albert Pierrepoint
- The Executioner’s Bible – Steve Fielding
- Murderers and Their Executioners – Brian Bailey
- The Life and Times of Albert Pierrepoint – Steve Fielding
Executioners and Techniques
- The Hangman’s Record – Steve Fielding
- The Executioners – Tom Wood
- Hanging in the Balance – Harry Allen
Capital Punishment and Reform
- A Life for a Life? – Roger Hood
- The Death Penalty: A Worldwide Perspective – Roger Hood & Carolyn Hoyle
- Capital Punishment UK: Public Opinion and Policy – Mike Nash
Government Publications & Reports
- UK Home Office Reports (various years)
- Royal Commission on Capital Punishment 1949–1953
- British Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)
Media and Newspaper Archives
- The Times Digital Archive
- British Newspaper Archive
- Illustrated London News (historical issues)
- The Guardian and Daily Telegraph archives
Contact
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