Beheaded

In the early 1800s, the progression of medical discovery was thriving. However, doctors were running short on cadavers, which were necessary to dissect and research in order to further develop their scientific breakthroughs. If it weren’t for some of the more seedier characters of the time, the ‘spare parts' would have been harder to come by. William Burke and William Hare, two Scottish men with an appetite for whiskey and money,  learned the hard way that killing in the name of science (and greed) comes at a high price. In this episode of “Beheaded”, you’ll find that the punishment can fit the crime. 

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Maggie Dickson is a Scottish legend known not just for her trial and execution... but for what came after! This gal truly earned the nickname "Half-Hangit Maggie" after the unexpected turn of events at her public hanging. Megan and Elizabeth share the story of this resilient young woman who now has a pub named after her in Old Town Edinburgh. 

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Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya may have a complicated name, but, nonetheless, upheld the Soviet spirit in the midst of World War II. At the tender age of 18 years old, she joined the 'sabotage school' to help ward off the invading Nazis. Her relentlessness and courage inspired Stalin himself to use her as the face of nationalist propaganda to help encourage others to fight for Mother Russia. Listen to yet another strong,  heroine story in this episode of Beheaded. 

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There have only been a few known attempted escapes from the Tower of London, but only one involved a rendezvous between a flirtatious woman and her jailer. Alice (Wolfe) Tankerville was very familiar with the Tower due to her frequent visits with her husband to finally ending up as a prisoner herself. She was a smart woman who learned how to make friends behind bars, which brought her so close to successfully escaping in the dark of the night… but of course, if it were successful, then we wouldn’t have this story. This Tudor-era love triangle between Alice Tankerville, John Wolfe, and John Bawd makes for the perfect Valentine’s day execution story. 

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King Louis XVI was ill-prepared to be king of France at the tender age of 19. He was, however, fully prepared to meet his fatal end at the guillotine. Hated by the majority of France, he and his wife, Marie Antoinette, were tried for high treason amidst the French Revolution. Louis just wanted to have fun and be adored by all of his subjects, though! Too bad incompetent kings don't make it past the age of 40. Come back to Versailles as Elizabeth and Megan re-visit the French Revolution and share the story of King Louis XVI. 

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Thomas More was not only one of King Henry VIII’s closest advisors in the Tudor court, but some would even argue his best friend. Henry wasn't known for being a very forgiving friend, though, and with good reason. Especially when his friends don't show their allegiance to his policies. Sir Thomas More, named a saint by the Catholic church, stood up for his beliefs and morals even when it meant losing his head. Listen to Elizabeth and Megan (who will be sure to brag about being a blood relative to this famous 'executionee') as they share another favorite Tudor execution at the hand of King Henry VIII.

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During World War I the Germans and French had at least one thing in common: Mata Hari, the exotic dancer turned double agent. Her history as a seductive dancer for the elite made it an easy disguise to cross borders and spill details for both sides. But working as a double spy can be dangerous, and the consequences fatal. 

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Joan of Arc was only 17 years old when she led the French army into battle during the Middle Ages. After hearing prophetic messages from angels saying she needed to save France from the English, she convinced the dauphine to supply her with an army that would guarantee victory. Not only was she a young, teenage girl fighting amongst experienced soldiers, she was also a peasant without any education. As our youngest "executionee", Joan of Arc will forever be a legend representing female empowerment, faith, and courage. 

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If you thought Russian pirates didn't exist, think again, matey! Stepan Razin- or Stenka to his friends - was a rebellious leader of the Cossacks who raised a political uprising against the Russian elite in the 1670s. Some may see him as a Robin Hood-type figure, others see him as a swashbuckling and violent revolutionist. Either way, his fearless movement didn't end very pleasantly. Megan and Elizabeth bring out the vodka and stroganoff for yet another Russian execution story. Nostrovia! 

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Elizabeth Sugrue, also known as Lady Betty or, even more foreboding, the Woman From Hell, led an interesting life. She was given the job as Ireland's first and only female executioner in the 18th century. The catch? She would only do the job if her own death sentence was reduced to life in prison. “Set me free and I’ll hang them all!” were the famous words of Lady Betty. Listen to how the 'executionee' turned the tables and became the executioner in this episode of Beheaded. 

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