How I became an Executioner.
It has been said by some of those goody-goody moralists who are always
anxious to point out sad examples of the depravity of man, and who
are not very particular about the genuineness of the "facts" with
which they support their theories, that I was fond, even as a boy, of
revelling in the revolting details of crime, and that I was a reader
of all the police literature that I could obtain. Such statements are
absolutely false. As a boy I was not a great reader on any subject, and
the proceedings of the courts and the careers of criminals were in no
wise interesting to me until I became a member of the Bradford Borough
Police Force, in 1874.
When a policeman I strove to do my duty as well as any man could, and
often wished that I could make some better provision for my wife and
family, but I never so much as dreamed of becoming an executioner, or
took any interest in the subject of hanging.
One day, when I called at a friend's house that was on my beat, it
happened that Mr. Marwood was staying there, and I was introduced to
him, and a few days later I again met him and spent an evening in his
company. He was a quiet, unassuming man, kindly and almost benevolent
in his manner, who was in no way ashamed of his calling, though very
reticent about speaking of it, excepting to those whom he knew well. He
keenly felt the odium with which his office was regarded by the public,
and aimed, by performing his duties in a satisfactory manner, and by
conducting his private life respectably, at removing the stigma which
he felt was undeserved. At times the attitude of the public towards him
was very keenly felt, and I well remember one time when this subject
was the topic of conversation at the supper table, that he remarked to
a gentleman present, "my position is not a pleasant one," and turning
to me, repeated with emphasis, "no! it is _not_ a pleasant one." The
words seemed to come from the depths of a full heart, and I shall
never forget their pathos and feeling. Altogether, Mr. Marwood never
encouraged me in any way to think of his calling with feelings of envy,
and though he did give me all particulars of his methods and apparatus,
it was merely because I asked all sorts of questions from natural
curiosity.
It was only when in company with Mr. Marwood, with whom I became quite
friendly, that I ever contemplated the question of capital punishment.
At other times it was far from my thoughts. My application for the
post, which was left vacant at his death, was, therefore, in no way
the result of a personal desire for the work or of a pre-conceived
plan. I was simply driven to it by the poverty-stricken condition of
my family, which I was unable to keep in reasonable comfort upon my
earnings (I was then engaged as a boot-salesman, at a small salary). I
knew that in the line on which I was then working there was no prospect
of a material improvement in my position; I knew that I was a man of
no extraordinary ability, so that my chances of rising were few, and
I looked upon the vacancy of the executioner's post as being probably
my one chance in life, my "tide in the affairs of men." Personally I
had a great distaste for the work, though I did not consider it in any
way dishonourable or degrading, and I had to weigh my family's wants
against my personal inclination. It seemed to me at the time that my
duty was clear, so I made application for the vacant position.
It may be said that I decided to better myself without any regard to
the means of that betterment, or to my fitness for the position; but
when I carefully considered the matter, in the few days before sending
in my application, I was convinced that I could do the work as well as
anyone, and that I could make practical improvements in some of the
methods and somewhat improve the lot of those appointed to die. This
last consideration finally decided me.
I made application to the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex in
September, 1883. There were some 1400 applicants for the post, but
after waiting some time I received the following letter intimating
that I was one of the few from amongst whom the final choice was to be
made:----
London.
The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex will be at the Old Bailey on
Monday next, the 24th instant, at 2 o'clock p.m., for the purpose
of seeing the selected applicants for the post of Executioner.
If you (as one of those selected for consideration) are disposed to
attend at the above time and place you are at liberty, at your own
expense, to do so.
19th September, 1883.
To Mr. J. Berry.
Of course, I kept the appointment, was duly examined, amongst some
nineteen others, and was told that the chosen executioner would be
communicated with.
My action in applying for the post was not at all in accordance with
the wishes of my relatives, who did everything they possibly could
to prevent my obtaining it. Some of my friends and neighbours wrote,
either through solicitors or personally, to the sheriffs. Certain
members of my own family petitioned the Home Secretary to dismiss the
application, on the ground that if the appointment was given to me, a
hitherto respectable family would be disgraced. I believe that it was
mainly in consequence of these representations that I was passed over,
and the post given to Mr. Bartholomew Binns. Upon myself the opposition
had an effect that was not intended. It made me devote considerable
thought and care to the details of the work of an executioner, and made
me determine that if ever the opportunity again offered I should do my
best to secure the work. During the four months that Mr. Binns held
the appointment I had consultations with some eminent medical men, and
when, much earlier than I expected, a new executioner was wanted, I was
very well grounded in the theory of the subject. It was in March, 1884,
that the magistrates of the city of Edinburgh wanted a man to execute
Vickers and Innes, two poachers. The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex
gave me a recommendation, and I addressed the following letter to the
Magistrates of Edinburgh:--
_March_ 13_th_, 1884.
52, Thorpe Street, Shearbridge,
Bradford, Yorkshire.
To the Magistrates
of the City of Edinburgh.
Dear Sirs,
I beg most respectfully to apply to you, to ask if you will permit
me to conduct the execution of the two Convicts now lying under
sentence of death at Edinburgh. I was very intimate with the late
Mr. Marwood, and he made me thoroughly acquainted with his system
of carrying out his work, and also the information which he learnt
from the Doctors of different Prisons which he had to visit to
carry out the last sentence of the law. I have now one rope of
his which I bought from him at Horncastle, and have had two made
from it. I have also two Pinioning straps made from his, also
two leg straps. I have seen Mr. Calcraft execute three convicts
at Manchester 13 years ago, and should you think fit to give me
the appointment I would endeavour to merit your patronage. I
have served 8 years in Bradford & West Riding Police Force, and
resigned without a stain on my character, and could satisfy you
as to my abilities and fitness for the appointment. You can apply
to Mr. Jas. Withers, Chief Constable, Bradford, also to the High
Sheriff for the City of London, Mr. Clarence Smith, Mansion House
Buildings, 4, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., who will testify
as to my character and fitness to carry out the Law. Should you
require me I could be at your command at 24 hours' notice. Hoping
these few lines will meet with your approval. I remain, Sirs,
Your Most Obedient Servant,
JAMES BERRY.
To The Chief Magistrates,
Borough of Edinburgh,
Scotland.
P.S. An answer would greatly oblige as I should take it as a favour.
A brief correspondence followed, and on March 21st I received the
following letter from the Magistrates' Clerk:
City Chambers, Edinburgh,
_21st March, 1884._
Sir,
With reference to your letters of the 13th and 15th instant, I am
now directed by the Magistrates to inform you that they accept the
offer you have made of your services to act as Executioner here on
Monday, the 31st March current, on condition (1) that you bring
your Assistant with you, and (2) that you and your Assistant arrive
in Edinburgh on the morning of Friday the 28th instant, and reside
within the Prison (at the Magistrates' expense) till after the
Executions are over.
The Magistrates agree to your terms of ten guineas for each person
executed and 20s. for each person executed to your Assistant,
with second-class railway fares for both of you, you finding all
necessary requisites for the Executions.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
A CAMPBELL,
Deputy City Clerk.
Mr. James Berry,
52, Thorpe Street,
Shearbridge,
Bradford, Yorks.
P.S. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter immediately.--A. C.
Of course, my reply was to the effect that I accepted the engagement,
and although I felt many misgivings between that time and the
day appointed for the execution, the work was carried through
satisfactorily.
[Illustration: Calton Gaol, from Calton Hill.]