Executions at Tyburn in 18th Century Britain

Monica M. Jones
Dr. James Rosenheim History 437 30 Apr 2013 The Last Dying Words
Executions in 18th century Britain are a subject of merit for study as an insight into the lives of people of during that time. In the spirit of that aim, one could focus upon the final accounts of the condemned just before or on the day of their executions. Executions were a main attraction to the local townspeople during this period. There were several reasons for the popularity of executions – one being that many people viewed criminals as heroic and their exploits were publicized. There were also several methods of execution at that time, the most popular being public hanging. Regardless of the type of execution, we found from several personal accounts that as individuals were faced with execution, all asked for forgiveness for their sins. These accounts are noteworthy for the fact that they are first-hand from individuals who were at the center of public spectacle and were looking death in the face. In order to preface the accounts, special attention must be paid to the above-mentioned spectacle in process of the executions.
These were not speedy trials, so those who were accused of a crime often languished in prison awaiting their trial and ultimately, their fate. This gave them time to reflect on their upcoming punishment or execution. If they were sentenced to death, not only were these individuals going to be executed, but they were also forced to contribute to the spectacle of their death. For example, criminals “were driven from the prison to their deaths sitting with their coffins” (Executions 1). Such a thing would be considered by most as a further insult to injury. In particular the last words of nine different individuals will be examined in the paragraphs below. In order to properly convey these accounts in a historical context we will discuss the individuals in chronological order beginning with the year 1708 and ending with the year 1793, illustrating

Cited: Addison, John. "An account of the life, birth, death, parentage, and conversation, of Mr. John Addison, a most notorious highway-man, who being last sessions cast upon five several indictments, was executed at Tyburn, on Friday the 2d of March, 1710-11 With the Heads of the condemn 'd Sermon that was preach 'd to him by the Ordinary of Newgate, on this Text: I thought on my ways, and turn 'd my Feet unto thy Testimonies, Psal.119, ver.59. With the manner of his Tryal at the Sessions House in the Old Baily, and Condemnation, Behaviour whilst under Sentence of Death; and last dying Speech and Confession at the Place of Execution. Entered according to order. ." (1711): 1-8. Eighteenth Century Collections Online: Range 5604. Database. 22 Apr 2013. Atkinson, William. "The last dying words, speech, and genuine confession of three malefactors, who were executed at Tyburn, near York, on Saturday the 13th of April, 1793." (1793): 1. Eighteenth Century Collections Online: Range 1473. Database. 17 Apr 2013. Barnes, John. "The whole life and conversation, birth, parentage and education of John Barnes who was executed at Tyburn, for the murder of the widow Edgebrook in Shakesb 'ys-Walks, Shadwell. Together with his whole Tryal and Examination at the Old-Baily. His Behaviour and Confession under Sentence of Death, and his last dying speech at the Place of Execution. Written with his own hand during his confinement in Newgate. Also, the lives and conversation of Mary Ellener, and Aggitha Ashbrook; who were executed with him, on Wednesday the 27th of October: with their last dying speeches and confession." (1708): 1-8.Eighteenth Century Collections Online: Range 12487. Database. 17 Apr 2013. "Executions at York." York Museums Trust, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013. . Metyard, Sarah. "The last dying speech (and last farewell to the world) of Sarah Metyard, and her own Daughter Sarah Morgan Metyard, who were executed July the 19th 1762, at Tyburn, for the barbarous Murder, of two Apprentice Girls." (1762): 1. Eighteenth Century Collections Online: Range 7219. Database. 20 Apr 2013.