Stepney Folk |
The Public Hangman Gregory Brandon was the illegitimate son of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk (who was the illegitimate son of Charles II). (The Tower of London by Richard Davey) Gregory was the public hangman and he lived with his wife, Alice, in Rosemary Lane, Whitechapel. He had been convicted of manslaughter in 1611 and branded on the thumb. His son, Richard Brandon, also known as young Gregory, succeeded to the position of public hangman in 1640. (Hangman by Brian Barley) Richard Brandon was the executioner of Charles I (who was his great great grandfather) on 30 January 1649. He always declared that he had not wished to do the work, but was forced to do it when "fetched out of bed by a troop of horse", receiving 30 pounds for his trouble, all paid in half-a-crowns (12p) within an hour. He also said he had an orange stuck full of cloves and a handkerchief out of the king's pocket, which he sold for 10 shillings (50p). He returned to his house and gave his wife Mary the money saying it was the dearest he had ever earned for it would cost him his life. He died within 5 months on 20 June 1649, some said full of remorse. A great crowd of Whitechapel people gathered, waiting to see his coffin. Some cried out 'Hang him, rogue' and others 'Bury him in the dunghill'. He was carried in his coffin, with a sprig of rosemary (for remembrance) at each end, to the churchyard of St Mary Matfelon, Whitechapel. He also executed, amongst others, Sir Thomas Wentworth, 1st earl of Strafford (1641) and William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury (1644). Also .
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