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A Date with the Hangman: A History of Capital Punishment in Britain
A true-crime history of 20th-century, British judicial hangings from 1900 to 1964, and a look at the overall history of executions in Great Britain.
It is a sobering thought that until the closing years of the twentieth century, Britain’s courts were technically able to impose the death penalty for several offenses, both civil and military. Although the last judicial hangings took place in 1964, the death penalty, in theory at least, remained for a number of crimes. During the twentieth century, 865 people were executed in Britain. This book examines each and every one of those executions, and in many cases highlights the crimes that brought these men and women to the gallows.
The book also details the various forms of capital punishment used throughout British history. During past centuries people were burned at the stake, had the skin flayed from their bodies, were beheaded, garroted, hung, drawn and quartered, stoned, disemboweled, buried alive—and all under the guidance of a vengeful law, or at least what passed for law at any given period. The author, Gary M. Dobbs, has painstakingly collected together every available piece of evidence to provide as clear a picture as possible of a time when the law operated on the principle of an eye for an eye.
Dobbs is a true-crime historian and has spent many hours researching the cases featured herein to bring the reader a definitive history of judicial punishment during the twentieth century, and this carefully researched, well-illustrated and enthralling text will appeal to anyone interested in the darker side of history.
“A brilliant read.” — Books Monthly (UK)
It is a sobering thought that until the closing years of the twentieth century, Britain’s courts were technically able to impose the death penalty for several offenses, both civil and military. Although the last judicial hangings took place in 1964, the death penalty, in theory at least, remained for a number of crimes. During the twentieth century, 865 people were executed in Britain. This book examines each and every one of those executions, and in many cases highlights the crimes that brought these men and women to the gallows.
The book also details the various forms of capital punishment used throughout British history. During past centuries people were burned at the stake, had the skin flayed from their bodies, were beheaded, garroted, hung, drawn and quartered, stoned, disemboweled, buried alive—and all under the guidance of a vengeful law, or at least what passed for law at any given period. The author, Gary M. Dobbs, has painstakingly collected together every available piece of evidence to provide as clear a picture as possible of a time when the law operated on the principle of an eye for an eye.
Dobbs is a true-crime historian and has spent many hours researching the cases featured herein to bring the reader a definitive history of judicial punishment during the twentieth century, and this carefully researched, well-illustrated and enthralling text will appeal to anyone interested in the darker side of history.
“A brilliant read.” — Books Monthly (UK)
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2020
8 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Gary Dobbs
12 books1 followerWelsh author Gary Dobbs is best known as a fiction writer. Using the pen name Jack Martin, he is responsible for a string of best-selling westerns as well as the popular crime series, Granny Smith. The latter published under G.M. Dobbs.
Cardiff and the Valleys in the Great War is his first major non-fiction work and he felt both humbled and proud to tackle the project. Hours of research were involved in compiling the stories presented within these pages, and alongside the grim statistics the author feels that there is a very human story that he was deeply privileged to tell.
Cardiff and the Valleys in the Great War is his first major non-fiction work and he felt both humbled and proud to tackle the project. Hours of research were involved in compiling the stories presented within these pages, and alongside the grim statistics the author feels that there is a very human story that he was deeply privileged to tell.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 13, 2019
This book looks at the history behind hanging. It gives us the dates and names of the people who were hanged and the name of the hangman. It also tells you the crimes that were committed. It also tells you the different methods used to execute the condemned. If your a fan of historical true crime, younwill like this informative but quick read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pen & Sword and the author Gary Dobbs for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Pen & Sword and the author Gary Dobbs for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2019
This is a history of capital punishment in Britain and it’s got some interesting facts and details from the past. It covers all the different methods used to execute condemned people through the centuries. It also discusses the executioners, and has a section listing people that were hung between 1900, their executioner, through abolition in 1964. I found it interesting and informative, I like reading about this type of thing and if it’s something that you enjoy also, you might want to check it out too. The death penalty is often a hot topic in our country too, as so many people here feel it’s not a deterrent as well. But there are still many who are wanting to keep it as well, and the debate goes on. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Gary Dobbs, and the publisher.
3.5/5 stars
First published on my WordPress blog seen here:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
3.5/5 stars
First published on my WordPress blog seen here:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
November 28, 2019
This wasn’t for me, too short and brief, not very interesting, unfortunately a no from me.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
January 13, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really enjoyed this book and read it over a few days when I was away on holiday this year, it was a book that I was easily able to dip in and out of due to the layout and way that the book was written.
I really like the start of the book and the background that is given and I liked the way that the author expanded on some of the more notable cases of execution too – there were some well-known cases and some that made me want to find out more too – including a couple from my home county and home town!
I love books of this nature and I am a massive fan on true crime, the writing style was good and it was an easy read too, despite the subject matter!
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended and a great record of past executions and the role of the hangman, and a great introduction to some of the different characters that held that position over the years too!
I really enjoyed this book and read it over a few days when I was away on holiday this year, it was a book that I was easily able to dip in and out of due to the layout and way that the book was written.
I really like the start of the book and the background that is given and I liked the way that the author expanded on some of the more notable cases of execution too – there were some well-known cases and some that made me want to find out more too – including a couple from my home county and home town!
I love books of this nature and I am a massive fan on true crime, the writing style was good and it was an easy read too, despite the subject matter!
It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended and a great record of past executions and the role of the hangman, and a great introduction to some of the different characters that held that position over the years too!
September 13, 2019
A Date with the Hangman: A History of Capital Punishment in Britain
Gary Dobbs
Who would enjoy this book?
Gary Dobbs
Who would enjoy this book?
You will enjoy this book if youʼre interested in; true crime, history, non-fiction, or if you are an avid consumer of literature that has; macabre themes, strong adult content, detailed descriptions of death, murder, and Judicial executions. Whilst the subject matter is gritty, the author Gary Dobbs manages to engage the readers interest immediately. A Date With the Hangman is one of those books you will quickly know if it appeals to you, and if it does you are in for an engaging sojourn.
Let me introduce you to the writer, Gary Dobbs
Gary Martin Dobbs may not be familiar to you instantly, however, Gary has a long track record and has written many books starting when he was just 15 years old. Mr. Dobbs also writes under the pen name of Jack Martin and perhaps some of you have read many of his Western novels and crime fictions. If you enjoy the Western Genre you can find more on his work at [The Fantastic Fiction site]. A couple of his notable crime fiction novels include Granny Smith and Deadly Frogs. Many of his titles are still available; a list will be available at the end of the review. He also has an online blog where you can find out more about him and see some of the book reviews he has written. He also spends a part of his time acting; more information can be found on IMDB (International Movie Database). He comes across as a very personable and engaging character which makes reading A Date With The Hangman more like a talk with a friend, rather than a cold retelling of horror. I enjoyed how concisely Gary recounted ancient traditions, methods of executions, and the slow integration of newer technologies for killing. I consider myself well read when it comes to the subject of true crime; but I still learned new details, facts,and other information from A Date With the Hangman that were missed in similar books.
My Synopsisʼs of A Date With the Hangman
A Date With the Hangman could be considered a primer for anyone who wants to understand the context, methods, and atmosphere of historic Judicial executions. The book begins by introducing the contextual factors upon which to build an understanding of ancient crime and punishment. The central theme of the book is the nature, methods, reputations, and the personal history of some of Englands most notorious hangmen. The descriptions of some of the executions are so detailed that you can imagine standing and witnessing the event yourself.
Once the vivid descriptions of the executions are complete, we are provided with a plethora of small paragraphs detailing briefly the date of execution, name and age of the offender, the name and age of the victim (if available), their conviction, where the execution took place, and their executioner. Portions of the book are referenced to a tedious degree yet leaves no doubt as to the authenticity of the material used. Toward the end of the book, I was very pleased to see that Gary had included the degree to which the ethics of execution became a political hot potato. He describes the years leading up to the termination of Capital Punishment, in the late 20th Century, as society became disillusioned with the execution of people that were later found to be innocent of the crimes for which they were condemned.
A Date With The Hangman: Conclusion
If you enjoy well written literature, with good prose, and produced in an uncomplicated but concise manner from an author who researched his subject, A Date With The Hangman is a book you may enjoy.
Other Books By This Author Include:
Published under the sobriquet of Jack Martin
The Tarnished Star, Published (2009), Publisher: Linford Western Library Arkansas Smith, Published (2010), Publisher A black Horse Western
The Ballad of Delta Rose, Published (2011), Publisher Linford Western Library Wild Bill Williams Published (2012), Publisher Linford Western Library
The Afterlife of Slim McCord, Published (2013) Publisher A black Horse Western The Man From Jerusalem, Published, (2015), Publisher Linford Western Library Riding the Vengeance Trail, Published (2016), Publisher A black horse Western Massacre at Red Rock, Published (2017), Publisher A black horse Western
The Tumbleweed Trail, Published (2019), Pub;isher A black horse Western
Novellas
A Man Called Masters, Published (2012), Publisher Amazon Digital Services LLC Law Master, Published (2016), Audiobook, Self Published - G. M. Dobbs
HOT NEW UPDATE
It has just been brought to my attention that Gary Dobbs soon be releasing another in the long line of books called: The Reluctant Terrorist due for publication date TBA.
Why not pre-order your and get to the front of the line.
October 3, 2019
A nice start for a brief history of punishment in British history. Nice that it gives dates and names of those who were executed and names of the hangmen if doing research on the topic. Many names, dates, what they did and so on. A balance of that and history.
February 6, 2021
I can't fault this book for doing exactly what it says it's going to do. It does indeed detail every execution to happen in the UK in the 20th century and does give backstory to several of them while giving a little history on the death penalty itself.
Where I can fault it is that, for such a short book, to use a good 30-40% of your time simply listing dates of executions and who was executed is a little monotonous. I'm not saying that these things shouldn't be documented but if you are going to do that, then extend your book. The actual information we get about the history of the death penalty in the UK is extremely thin. This really could have done with a far greater dive into the history and into the changing perceptions in society throughout the 20th century.
It was all there but, realisitcally, had the author taken out the full list of executions, this would have been more suited as an essay/article rather than a full book.
Thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with a copy for review.
Where I can fault it is that, for such a short book, to use a good 30-40% of your time simply listing dates of executions and who was executed is a little monotonous. I'm not saying that these things shouldn't be documented but if you are going to do that, then extend your book. The actual information we get about the history of the death penalty in the UK is extremely thin. This really could have done with a far greater dive into the history and into the changing perceptions in society throughout the 20th century.
It was all there but, realisitcally, had the author taken out the full list of executions, this would have been more suited as an essay/article rather than a full book.
Thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with a copy for review.
December 7, 2023
‘It is thought that hanging as a capital punishment was first brought to Britain in the latter half of the fifth century by the Anglo Saxons.’
This book talks about hangings during a particular period - 1900-1964.
It also talks about other punishments given to condemned men, women and children such as Breaking on the Wheel and Burning at the Stake.
We get to learn about the hangmen who did these hangings, how they proceeded and the outcome of their chosen profession.
I certainly would not have been pleased to have Jack Ketch!
It is quite frightening to think that there have been several attempts to bring back the death penalty.
‘After you in the condemned hole do lie,
Prepare you, for tomorrow you shall die.
Watch all and prey, the hour is drawing near,
That you before the Almighty must appear.
Examine well yourselves, in times repent,
That you may not to eternal flames be sent.
And when St Sepulchre’s bell in the morning tolls,
The Lord above have mercy on your souls’.
This book talks about hangings during a particular period - 1900-1964.
It also talks about other punishments given to condemned men, women and children such as Breaking on the Wheel and Burning at the Stake.
We get to learn about the hangmen who did these hangings, how they proceeded and the outcome of their chosen profession.
I certainly would not have been pleased to have Jack Ketch!
It is quite frightening to think that there have been several attempts to bring back the death penalty.
‘After you in the condemned hole do lie,
Prepare you, for tomorrow you shall die.
Watch all and prey, the hour is drawing near,
That you before the Almighty must appear.
Examine well yourselves, in times repent,
That you may not to eternal flames be sent.
And when St Sepulchre’s bell in the morning tolls,
The Lord above have mercy on your souls’.
November 2, 2022
Gruesome and interesting the history of capital punishment
January 9, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: Whatever side of the Capital Punishment debate the reader may be on, this is a comprehensive book on all the death penalty cases in 20th Century Britain. In fact, there is a complete list of all the killers, the victims, the date of their sentence and the hangman who was in charge. There is very little additional information except in the cases that either had extreme notoriety or great public awareness. These include the three cases where the deceased was exonerated posthumously. It is therein that the argument against capital punishment gained great traction. It is all very nice to be found innocent but rather empty once you are gone.
At one time there were a myriad of charges that were capital offences. It is a fascinating look at the history of “justice” through the centuries. Thankfully by the dawn of the 20th Century there were but a few charges that could bring such retribution. Perhaps in today’s world with DNA testing, mistakes might be few and far between but there were many situations where the outcomes were less than universally applauded. In fact by 1964, it was over even though the legislation to confirm it was decades later.
For fans of true crime stories, this will be fascinating reading. Four purrs and two paws up.
At one time there were a myriad of charges that were capital offences. It is a fascinating look at the history of “justice” through the centuries. Thankfully by the dawn of the 20th Century there were but a few charges that could bring such retribution. Perhaps in today’s world with DNA testing, mistakes might be few and far between but there were many situations where the outcomes were less than universally applauded. In fact by 1964, it was over even though the legislation to confirm it was decades later.
For fans of true crime stories, this will be fascinating reading. Four purrs and two paws up.
September 5, 2019
This is the creepiest book I have ever read.
Although this focuses on historical events, the writing is not boring at all and the theme and the book itself are extremely interesting.
This is a quick read because most of the book is a list of the executions during the XX century in the UK and there is nothing scarier than reading names upon names of murderers and victims when you are home alone at night. The only thing I wish the book had had was the age of the victims as well.
Even the handful of pictures at the end will give me nightmares.
(I seriously liked this book though. It was super informative and the writing was the perfect blend of facts and trivia.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword History for this DRC.
9/10
Although this focuses on historical events, the writing is not boring at all and the theme and the book itself are extremely interesting.
This is a quick read because most of the book is a list of the executions during the XX century in the UK and there is nothing scarier than reading names upon names of murderers and victims when you are home alone at night. The only thing I wish the book had had was the age of the victims as well.
Even the handful of pictures at the end will give me nightmares.
(I seriously liked this book though. It was super informative and the writing was the perfect blend of facts and trivia.)
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword History for this DRC.
9/10
October 15, 2019
A Date with the Hangman is an interesting although short book.
I enjoyed reading more about Capital Punishment and the history of it and when it ended. It was very sobering reading the lists of the names of who was hung in the 20th Century and for which offences with where to execution took place and which Hangman if any (there was still Military shooting for Treason at the Tower Of London!!) . With some of the more famous criminals comes a short explanation of their crime. Others have a further reading note too if you wanted to follow up on them.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to true crime fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and Sword for the ARC. (my review is my own opinion).
I enjoyed reading more about Capital Punishment and the history of it and when it ended. It was very sobering reading the lists of the names of who was hung in the 20th Century and for which offences with where to execution took place and which Hangman if any (there was still Military shooting for Treason at the Tower Of London!!) . With some of the more famous criminals comes a short explanation of their crime. Others have a further reading note too if you wanted to follow up on them.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to true crime fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pen and Sword for the ARC. (my review is my own opinion).
November 19, 2019
Very interesting, what there was of it. I hesitate to even call it a book as the lion’s share of the length was taken up with a list of all the executions in the UK from 1900 until the abolishment of capital punishment in 1964. The narrative portions of the book, about the history of capital punishment in Britain and some brief expansions on notable executions and executioners, was about the length of a long magazine article. Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
January 18, 2020
A great look into history and capital punishment. I didn’t realize that beheading was “reserved” for nobility. Or how many botched beheadings there actually were. A quick look at other forms of death were shown. It gives a brief history of those found guilty of crimes and the method of their penalty/death.
Thank you NetGalley, Gary Dobbs and Pen and Sword Books, Ltd. for this advanced reader edition and hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partners
Thank you NetGalley, Gary Dobbs and Pen and Sword Books, Ltd. for this advanced reader edition and hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partners
October 7, 2019
The book all to brief looks at history of of hanging in British history, it gives the dates and names of those who were executed and names of the hangmen. In same of the more famous murder cases the author has given a more detailed account of the crime however he doesn't give all the facts about the crimes. If are looking for a quick reference book this is definitely one you could choose.
November 12, 2019
Although interesting, most of the book was just listing who was sentenced to death, and it got repetitive and boring.
December 3, 2019
A Date with the Hangman is a bit disappointing. It is a brief description and dates of people who have been executed.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews