Robert Baxter (executioner)
Robert Baxter | |
---|---|
Born | c. 1878 |
Died | 1961 |
Nationality | English |
Occupation | Executioner |
Years active | 1915–1935 |
Spouse | Lydia |
Children | 1 |
Robert Orridge Baxter (c. 1878 – 1961) was an English executioner from Hertfordshire. His career lasted from 1915 to 1935, during which he carried out 44 hangings and assisted at 53 others.[1]
Career
Baxter worked at his first hanging, as an assistant to
Baxter was generally regarded as a good executioner. He was once described as a "very quiet and efficient man [who] goes about his work quickly and silently."
Baxter's reactions became increasingly slower in the mid-1930s. He carried out his last hanging on 30 October 1935 before finally being removed from the official Home Office list. He died in 1961, at the age of 83.[10]
See also
References
- ^ "The English hangmen 1850 - 1964". capitalpunishmentuk.org. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
- ^ Fielding, p. 131.
- ^ Fielding, p. 274.
- ^ "Pentonville prison". capitalpunishmentuk.org. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
- ^ Yeoman, Fran. "'Star' executioner who struggled to cope with his fame", 1 June 2006. timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
- ^ Fenton, Ben. "The rival hangmen who touted for business", 2 May 2006. telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
- ^ Fielding, p. 137.
- ^ "History of British judicial hanging". capitalpunishmentuk.org. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
- ^ Fielding, pp. 142-145.
- ^ Fielding, p. 147.
- Fielding, Steve (2008). The Executioner's Bible: The Story of Every British Hangman of the Twentieth Century. John Blake. ISBN 978-1-84454-422-6.