Skegness Magazine

Hangman’s letter goes under the hammer
A LETTER written by famous county hangman William Marwood will go under the hammer later this month.
The 1881 letter confirms the execution of notorious Victorian cat burglar and murderer, Charles Peace, pictured left). It was written from Marwood’s home in Foundry Street, Horncastle, at the height of his hangman career.
The cobbler carried out his first execution at Lincoln Prison in 1872 at the age of 54. He was interested in the art of hanging and felt the method, by which prisoners were slowly asphyxiated, could be improved.
He went on to develop the long drop system which dispatched prisoners more quickly by breaking their necks.
The letter, addressed to a Mr Roe, will be sold at auction at Bonham’s in Leeds. Saleroom manager Andrew Hepworth said there was no apparent link with Mr Roe and Mr Peace.

William Marwood, executioner shown on the 1881 census living in Foundry Street, Horncastle.

“Charles Peace was infamous for his crimes in Victorian times so it’s possible Mr Roe just had a macabre interest in him,” he said. “The letter will sell for under £100 but the price isn’t the issue here.
“Both Charles Peace and William Marwood were household names at the time. Apparently the execution at Armlet’ jail in Leeds drew a large crowd.”
Marwood received a retainer of £20 per year plus £10 for each execution.
The framed letter will be sold at Bonham’s auction house in the city of Leeds on Tuesday, February 28, 2006.

Source: Skegness Target, Feb/Mar 2006.

Picture: William Marwood and his famous cobbler’s shop and business card.