|
| Author | Message / Information |
|
Bagpuss!!
This message was updated on 10/24/2005 11:15:17 PM by Bagpuss!! |
grave site at chapel street
replied on: 10/24/2005 11:14:47 PM Hello All, While not wishing to stray "off topic" I came across this interesting piece relating to the earlier part of the Henry Brentnall biographical piece I posted earlier. It documents the fate of the Pentrich Revolutionaries that Henry witnessed on their march to Nottingham. Be warned it's a bit gruesome!! 1817 November 7 Brandreth, Ludlam, and Turner, the "Pentrich Plotters", executed at Derby. The last instance of the old penalty of high treason, hanging, drawing and quartering. (Cavalry stood on guard during the execution. The prisoners were first dragged round the prison yard on hurdles, were then hanged for half an hour, and their bodies afterwards cut down. The executioner then struck the heads off the bodies and seizing the head of Brandreth by the hair, showed the ghastly countenance to the multitude, exclaiming: "Behold the head of the traitor, Jeremiah Brandreth. The crowd, "as if under the impulse of a sudden frenzy," separated in all directions, but equanimity was restored, "and the separation and exhibition of the remaining heads was witnessed with the greatest order and decorum". The executioners were masked and their names were kept a profound secret. The poet Shelley witnessed the scene. The block is still to be seen in Derby Prison, where its wood hangs damp always damp - so it has been averred - it has given rise to the tradition that the block of the unhappy men has not dried and never will). |
| Tired of seeing ads? Click here to upgrade to Elite Membership! |
ChatArea.com Help & News Forums | Terms of Use | Contact ChatArea.com | Advertising
Powered By ChatArea.com - Get your free Society today! © Copyright 2003 Wewp!