6 - punishments in the 18th and 19th centuries (1700-1900)

History

How many capital crimes were punishable by death by 1815?

By 1815, there were 225 capital crimes punishable by death.

What was the Criminal Code, or 'Bloody' Code?

The Criminal Code, or 'Bloody' Code, was criticized for its harshness, as it made many crimes, including minor ones, punishable by death.

Which act made poaching punishable by death?

The 1723 Black Act made poaching punishable by death.

Why were juries often reluctant to convict under the 'Bloody' Code?

Juries were reluctant to convict because many crimes were punishable by death, even minor ones.

What were 'hanging days' and how did people react to them?

'Hanging days' were public executions, like those at Tyburn, London, where many people, including shopkeepers, would close their businesses and take the day off to watch.

What was a negative outcome of public executions?

Public executions often led to lawlessness and were seen as a form of entertainment.

How could public executions make martyrs out of criminals?

Public executions could make martyrs out of those executed, as they attracted large crowds who sometimes sympathized with the criminals.

When did public executions end?

Public executions ended in 1868.

What did the Royal Commission on Capital Punishment recommend in 1864?

The Royal Commission recommended an end to public executions.

Where did all hangings take place after public executions ended?

After 1868, all hangings took place inside prisons.

Who was the last person to be publicly hanged in Wales?

The last person to be publicly hanged in Wales was Robert Coe, who was executed for murder in Swansea in April 1866.