Executioner: The Chronicles of James Berry Victorian Hangman

by Stewart P. Evans

James Berry, a pious Yorkshireman, was Britain's hangman during the latter half of Queen Victoria's reign, and throughout the period of the Whitechapel murders. A man of strange contradictions - capable of cold, callous detachment but so affected by his job that he was often unable to speak before an execution - Berry was the last hangman able to write freely about his work. Through Berry's experiences, Stewart Evans takes us on a journey into the world of Victorian crime and punishment. Berry was an ex-policeman who took a genuine interest in his 'victims' - even creating his own 'black museum'. Aiming to be both efficient and merciful he worked to a table of drops of his own creation. Unfortunately, this did not prevent a few horrific incidents. The most notable was the execution of Robert Goodale who was decapitated by the force of the drop. In contrast, in the famous case of John Lee, Berry was unable to open the gallows trap. After three attempts - during which the gallows trap worked perfectly when Lee was removed - Lee was reprieved. During his eight years as hangman, Berry executed over 130 men and women - and even claimed to have hanged Jack the Ripper. He enjoyed publicity and toured the country talking of his experiences and showing lantern slides of grim prison scenes and executions. Yet in later life this contradictory character suffered from depression and became almost suicidal. Executioner is a biography which offers insight into the world of the public executioner. It will appeal to all those interested in crime and punishment in the Victorian era.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, History

336 pages, Hardcover

First published August 25, 2005

Reviews

[Edward Fenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this most unusual book. Evans certainly did his homework - the book is, quite literally, thick with detail. The subject matter is morbid, to be sure, yet fascinating and written in an engaging if somewhat clinical manner. Killer after killer made their way to James Barry's noose. Mr. Berry himself is portrayed fairly, I believe. He's not a monster, nor is he a saint. He was a jobber, a journeyman, with a most peculiar trade. Evans relates Berry's career chronologically and is quite thorough in his coverage through retirement. Berry's personal life is a bit on the thin side by comparison but telling nonetheless. If you are interested in the technical details of the process of execution by hanging (and its results), Evans provides plenty here as well. Lots of photos and sketches but nothing that would shock or disturb. It's definitely a curiosity in non-fiction and worth indulging if you enjoy criminology, biography, history, or life and times in Victorian Britain.