The Hangman's Tale by Syd Dernley

The Hangman's Tale by Syd Dernley

Regular price
Checking stock...
Regular price
Checking stock...
Summary

Capital punishment was abolished in 1965, and changes in the secrecy laws now allow a hangman to tell the story of his work, and of the last moments of those who dropped to their deaths on the gallows. Syd Dernley assisted at over 20 executions, including that of Timothy John Evans.

The feel-good place to buy books
  • Free US shipping over $15
  • Buying preloved emits 41% less CO2 than new
  • Millions of affordable books
  • Give your books a new home - sell them back to us!

The Hangman's Tale by Syd Dernley

Over a quarter of a century has passed since the last person was hanged in Britain. Following the abolition of capital punishment in 1965 the secrets of the execution chamber were consigned to history, but due to changes in the secrecy laws a hangman is now able to tell the story of the work of public executioners and of the last moments of those who dropped to their deaths on the gallows. Syd Dernley's hidden life began on 29th March 1949, when he watched James Farrell hang at Birmingham's Winson Green Prison, and during the next four years he assisted in over 20 hangings. He was present at the execution of Timothy John Evans, the only man ever granted a posthumous free pardon. He recalls the differing behaviour of the condemned men - the frightened and the brave, and he reveals the nightmare that haunts every executioner - the hanging where things went wrong.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780330316330
ISBN 10 0330316338
Title The Hangman's Tale
Author Syd Dernley
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Year published 1990-11-09
Number of pages 208
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note Unavailable