Most famous British hangman's grim orders discovered
A chilling insight into the working life of Albert Pierrepoint, Britain's most famous hangman, has come to light in a set of instructions he was given when he became an assistant executioner in 1932.
Pierrepoint, who is thought to have executed more than 600 prisoners, was told that he should never draw attention to himself.
The joining orders also set Pierrepoint's pay at £1 11s 6d (about £1.58) per execution, plus the same amount again "if his conduct and behaviour have been satisfactory".
Pierrepoint, who died in 1992, was involved in some of the most high profile executions of the 20th century.
Among those he despatched were Ruth Ellis (1955), the last woman to hang, and Derek Bentley (1953), who was executed for his part in the murder of a policeman but was posthumously pardoned 40 years later.
Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)
Pierrepoint, who is thought to have executed more than 600 prisoners, was told that he should never draw attention to himself.
The joining orders also set Pierrepoint's pay at £1 11s 6d (about £1.58) per execution, plus the same amount again "if his conduct and behaviour have been satisfactory".
Pierrepoint, who died in 1992, was involved in some of the most high profile executions of the 20th century.
Among those he despatched were Ruth Ellis (1955), the last woman to hang, and Derek Bentley (1953), who was executed for his part in the murder of a policeman but was posthumously pardoned 40 years later.