“If Pa killed Ma who’d kill Pa – Marwood” Early Life and Career William Marwood was born in 1818 at Goulceby, near Horncastle in Lincolnshire. He was a cobbler by trade who had, over the years, taken a great interest in the “art” of hanging and felt that the mechanical process could be greatly improved. … Read more
This page contains a detailed list of known British hangmen—executioners who served in England, Scotland, Wales, and, to a limited extent, Ireland—between 1800 and 1964. While extensive, this is not a comprehensive record; there will almost certainly have been additional hangmen, particularly in Ireland, whose names have yet to be discovered. The list has been … Read more
The post of hangman became much sought after in the mid 19th century and remained so until capital punishment was abolished in 1964 with large numbers, including women, applying for each vacancy. When William Calcraft retired, the post of hangman for London and Middlesex ceased to be a salaried position. His successors were paid a fee for each … Read more
The Role and Origins This article explores the sheriffs, jailers, and hired men who carried out executions in England before the professionalization of the role — a key chapter in the history of British judicial hanging that would evolve dramatically in the centuries to follow. Very few records exist of hangmen outside London prior to … Read more
Early Life and Career Beginnings William Calcraft was born at Little Baddow, near Chelmsford, Essex, on the 11th of October 1800. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving executioner in British history, holding office continuously for forty-five years from 1829 to 1874. While exact tallies vary across regional gaol registers, he carried out between … Read more
