The Death Penalty in Britain
Morbid Curiosity 13
In August 1964, Gwynne Evans and Peter Allen were executed in Britain. Guilty of murder, both men took their final breath before the noose was lowered and their lives were taken, as was the punishment for such a crime. No one knew at the time, but Evans and Allen would be the last people sentenced to death in Britain.
Capital punishment for most crimes was abolished in 1965, with special exceptions being given to cases of treason, espionage, arson in royal dockyards and ‘piracy with violence.’ However, no one was sentenced to death after 1964, and in 1998 the death penalty was abolished once and for all.
Evans and Allen, whilst facing the ultimate punishment, luckily were not subjected to the spectacle of a public execution, which was abolished in 1868. Public execution was used as a deterrent toward other troublemakers, a sort of, ‘Stay in line, or this will be you!’ mentality. Common folk who did as little as stealing were led to the gallows and made an example of, often with large crowds watching, cheering as the no-good criminal got what they deserved. Perhaps some in the crowd had their own morbid curiosity — I can’t confidently say I would have avoided going to see one, if I were alive at the time.
Hangings were the most common form of execution, but there were other punishments available for any who dared to defy the law. Beheadings were seen as the most humane, and were often saved for nobility. A quick chop to the neck and it was over — no suffocation by noose, no torture, no real ‘threat’, aside from the impending reality that your life would soon end. Mary Queen of Scots was famously beheaded for trying to take the throne from her sister, Elizabeth. However, Mary’s execution is also famous for not quite going right — the executioner missed her neck on the first swing, instead whacking her in the back of the skull with the axe, not quite killing her but certainly causing her a lot of pain. It took him two more attempts before he managed to lop off her head, much to the horror — and probable amusement — of the crowd watching.
Perhaps even more famous than Mary Queen of Scots is Guy Fawkes — who attempted to blow up parliament, and was punished by being hung, drawn and quartered. However, as a final act of rebellion after being caught, Fawkes jumped from the platform and broke his neck, successfully taking his fate into his own hands. I remember being taught about Guy Fawkes in primary school, in quite a graphic way for a child as young as ten. I’ve been to many a bonfire night that involved a huge bonfire with a dummy of Fawkes stuck in the middle, and I’d watch as it slowly burned, fireworks flashing through the sky, a bag of sweets in my hands. It’s still one of my favourite holidays — not because of what it represents, but because of how cosy, warm and wintry it makes me feel.
Multiple studies have shown how ineffective the death penalty is. The threat of death does not deter those who would commit crimes. If evidence comes forth at a later date that proves the deceased innocent, it’s too late, and a life is lost. Such a punishment was also used to unfairly punish minorities, leading them to the end without a fair trial. I’m glad that Britain has abolished the death penalty, and I’m rather shocked that so many places across the world still enforce it as a valid punishment.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Let me know in the comments!
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