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City of Gallows: the human stories behind London’s history of executions
For over 700 years between c.1196 and 1848, public executions were an inescapable part of the experiences of anyone living in London. Hangings, burnings, boilings, and beheadings were wielded as a way to protect the city’s ever-expanding population, to deter crime and rebellion, and to show justice being viscerally, visually done – but they also hammered home the power of the crown, church, and state over the lives and deaths of ordinary citizens.
On this episode of The PastCast, Carly Hilts – editor of Current Archaeology magazine – reports on a new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands which provides poignant and powerful insights into the seven centuries when London hosted more public executions that anywhere else in Britain and acquired the nickname the ‘City of Gallows’.
As well as discussing what else readers can look forward to in the latest issue of Current Archaeology, Carly also shares her thoughts on the new film The Lost King, which dramatizes the discovery of the remains of King Richard III under a Leicester carpark in 2012. On this episode she spoke with regular PastCast presenter Calum Henderson.
The Past brings together the most exciting stories and the very best writing from the realms of history, archaeology, heritage, and the ancient world. You can subscribe to The Past today for just £7.99. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking it, subscribing, and sharing it around.
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By The PastFor over 700 years between c.1196 and 1848, public executions were an inescapable part of the experiences of anyone living in London. Hangings, burnings, boilings, and beheadings were wielded as a way to protect the city’s ever-expanding population, to deter crime and rebellion, and to show justice being viscerally, visually done – but they also hammered home the power of the crown, church, and state over the lives and deaths of ordinary citizens.
On this episode of The PastCast, Carly Hilts – editor of Current Archaeology magazine – reports on a new exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands which provides poignant and powerful insights into the seven centuries when London hosted more public executions that anywhere else in Britain and acquired the nickname the ‘City of Gallows’.
As well as discussing what else readers can look forward to in the latest issue of Current Archaeology, Carly also shares her thoughts on the new film The Lost King, which dramatizes the discovery of the remains of King Richard III under a Leicester carpark in 2012. On this episode she spoke with regular PastCast presenter Calum Henderson.
The Past brings together the most exciting stories and the very best writing from the realms of history, archaeology, heritage, and the ancient world. You can subscribe to The Past today for just £7.99. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking it, subscribing, and sharing it around.