Pastyme With Good Companye

Post details: Of Gallows & Drunken Mobs

07/26/07

12:58:59 am, by

, 120 words

Categories: Murder & Mayhem

Of Gallows & Drunken Mobs

During the 18th century public executions were often attended by drunken mobs, hey even the hangman would usually imbibe in a pint or two.

In 1738 at one such public execution the hangman who was quite thoroughly intoxicated was convinced that he was supposed to hang three men, and was none too happy when he was presented with only two. As a result of what had been a clerical error he attempted to hang the preacher who had been given the task of attending the two condemned prisoners.

It was with great difficulty that he was prevented from hanging the third man as well!

We apologise if this entry has left you breathless.

Source: Let Them Eat Cake, By Geoffrey Regan

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Welcome to the blog of amateur historians Matthew James Didier and Sue Darroch. Partners in life and in crime, we endeavor to entertain you with snippets from our combined historical research. Past time with good company indeed, as we shall introduce you to Kings and Knaves, Queens and Mistresses, Cons and Heroes, from our collective past......from events well known to those perhaps all but forgotten, we will do our best to bring you interesting historical factoids from around the globe. It is our belief that through understanding our past we will all gain a better perspective on our future.