Page:Account of the executions in Scotland for the past 200 years.pdf/2



WILLIAM CALCRAFT the general executioner of Great Britain, and who officiated at Dumbarton on the 18th Jan. 1861, was born in the year 1801, of humble but industrious parents, in a little village about ten miles from London, situate in the county of Essex. When 19 years of age he was appointed to the office of Newgate Hangman, and on being installed swore to the following oath.—“I swear to hang or behead, and to draw and quarter, or otherwise destroy all felons and enemies to the peace of our Lord the King, and of his subjects duly sentenced according to Law, and I will do the like unto father, mother, sister or brother, and all other kindred whatsoever, without favour or hindrence. So help me God.”

Thereupon a black veil is thrown over him at his rising ’when he is conducted out of the court, amid the groaning of the assemblage, the tolling of the death-bell, and horrifying words of the city judge grating in his ears, “Get thee hence, wretch!”

The hall in which the oath is administered contains a table with the following articles placed thereon:-An axe, well sharpened!—the same as that used for the beheading of traitors— a pair of leg-irons—handcuffs—and other fetters—a small coil of rope—a pair of white caps.

At the Howgate Head where the Monkland Canal Basin is now situated

At the Castle Yard where the Royal Infirmary now stands