Off with her Head!
18 Feb 10
block, ropes, shackles, knives and the other 'tools' of his gruesome trade, he recounts the nature of hanging, mutilation, and decapitation prevalent in this age.
This was a time when death by execution was the sentence for many crimes and beheading was commonplace.Throughout dynastic rivalries, war,
and civil unrest, ever constant, there was the judicial process - 'law and order' - the means by which offenders, from the low born to the very highest in the land, were brought to account for their 'crimes'. Crimes against property, crimes against individuals, and crimes against the very Crown itself, which included two of Henry VIII’s wives!
The 'Executioner', at the direction of Court and Crown, branded, flogged, hanged, disembowelled, beheaded and mutilated....all in the pursuit of justice! A far cry from the justice system we are now all familiar with!
In fact a public execution was classed as a family day out and a chance to enjoy a picnic! With no television and Hollywood movies depicting death and destruction this was the only way the Tudors could quench their thirst for brutal entertainment!
Also on display at the Hall are reproduction costumes as worn by Henry VIII and his wives, before they were divorced or beheaded! There will be extended opening at Hall this day from 10am – 4pm.
Normal Admission Price Applies
