Executioner: Pierrepoint

Have just finished reading this, the autobiography of Albert Pierrepoint, the last "number one" executioner in the UK.

The book itself was not only insightful into the life of a "hangman" without out going into deep details of cases but also how life in the uk changed from the early 20th centery to the 1960s. I would reccomend this to people, dont let the subject matter put you off on the whole it is not grusome.

Thanks Stormey, always looking for recommended reads, sounds really interesting

It is and imo if you can get a copy its well worth it

I think the last person he hanged was Ruth Ellis ??

She was the last woman to be executed in the UK and I'm sure he was the executioner.

He was the executioner, but it was not his last, that was a Norman Green in Liverpool later that year.

Oh right you learn something new everyday

I will have to read this book

At present I am reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory and it's very good

You might know but one excution he preformed took from the condemned cell to the drop in just over 7seconds.

One thing I found intresting was the skill and know how involved in being an executioner.

There must have been a skill to it so it happened quickly

I did not realise it was that quick

Is it a recent book

It was first published in 1974 and republished in 2005, 2006 and three times last year. It is quite easy to find on play and amazon.

Thanks Stormey I enjoy a good book, what are you going to read next