Hi All Just to give an idea what the Jeremiah Brandreth project will be about, here is one account of his demise... The Execution of Jeremiah Brandreth, William Turner and Isaac Ludlam, for High Treason. Article from the Liverpool Mercury November 7th1817. Before we detail the circumstances that attended the awful last scene of the distressing drama which ignorance, delusion and discontent have lately exhibited in this place, we beg leave to mention a few particulars of the conduct of the wretched victims of the law on the day preceding the execution. Brandreth latterly spoke less favourably of his trial than he had done at first. He was heard occasionally to mutter “Oliver has brought me to this.” But for Oliver I should not have been here.” On Thursday morning, the Rev, Mr Pickering said to him it was well known where Oliver was for several days before the insurrection, and that it could be proved he was not with him. He made no reply. He was then asked how he came to engage in such an enterprise. He said that he would answer no questions of that kind, and begged that he should not be troubled with any. The clergyman asked him if he felt no dread of death that was now so near ? He replied coolly “ I feel no dread.” He afterwards prayed in the hearing of the clergyman, who remarked to him that he expressed no contrition for the murder he had committed. He said he felt no contrition on that subject. Thus he continued ready to join in any act of religion, insensible of any remorse, and proof against all fear. On the morning of execution, Ludlam and Turner looked wan and spiritless. They passed the night in prayer and psalm singing; and when the Chaplain joined them at nine o’clock they continued to pray until the moment of immediate preparation arrived – Brandreth slept as usual, rose in good spirits, and showed no signs of despondency. At a quarter past twelve the hurdle was drawn up. It was a very simple machine, formed of a few boards, nailed upon two long beams. Brandreth came out first and, while placing himself on the hurdle said, “someone hold me lest I fall off” A man held him whilst the horse was driven slowly around the yard he nodded to the several prisoners as he passed along. Turner was next drawn on the hurdle; when he came close by the other prisoners, they all screamed and wept most bitterly. When Isaac Ludlam was placed on the hurdle, he clasped his hands and raised a fervent look towards heaven: the prisoners cried out more bitterly. On the scaffold Brandreth looked coolly around upon the spectators and in a loud voice said “ God be with you all and Lord Castlereagh.” He stood resolute and silent while the executioner adjusted the rope around his neck. Turner came out next and advanced with unusual firmness of step. While the executioner placed the rope around his neck he exclaimed loudly and distinctly “ This is all Oliver and the Government” at this moment the Chaplain stepped in front of these two and prevented any further observations. Isaac Ludlam came out last and, when the rope was applied to his neck, devoutly said “I receive this at the hands of the lord”then, raising his voice to a louder pitch he prayed. They all repeated the Lords Prayer very distinctly and immediately afterward the drop fell. Brandreth appeared perfectly composed the whole time. He held a black silk handkerchief [the one he had worn at his trial and which had just been taken from his neck]in his clasped hands during their last devotions. This he held in exactly the same manner after life had forsook his frame. He dropped quite still and seemed dead at once. His beard, which remained untouched, looked very frightful from under the white cap which was drawn off his face. Turner too seemed sufficiently firm in his last moments and died quietly. Ludlam, while praying immediately before the drop fell was visibly agitated and appeared to die in much pain for he was repeatedly convulsed after he was thrown off. The drop fell at quarter to one and at a quarter past one they were cut down. Their coffins were piled upon the scaffold. The block, a long piece of timber supported at each end by pieces of a foot high, and having a small cog placed on the upper end of it where the neck of the body was to be placed, was placed at the other extremity of the scaffold. Two axes and two knives with black handles were at the same time exhibited. Some sawdust was then strewed upon the scaffold. The crowd, some 10,000 persons, kept together all this time. Brandreths body was then laid upon the block. In full view of the people, the scaffold not being more than ten feet from the ground the executioner raised the axe and struck at the neck with all his force. At that instant there was a burst of horror from the crowd. The executioner took up the head holding it by the hair and addressed the crowd “ Behold the head of Jeremiah Brandreth the traitor.”Hitherto the crowd had been quiet and motionless. The instant the head was held up there was a shriek set up and they ran violently in all directions, as if under the influence of sudden frenzy. Those that resumed their stations groaned and hooted. The javelin men and constables were all in motion and a few dragoons who had been stationed at each end of the street, drew nearer with drawn swords. But all became immediately calm. Very few of the immense multitude now remained and these looked quietly on while the heads of Turner and Ludlam were exhibited in the same way. The heads and bodies were thrown into the coffins and the spectators dispersed. The bodies without being stripped, and without further ceremony, were conveyed to St Werburgs Church at the back of which one deep grave had been dug. The criminals were deposited in it , Brandreth at the bottom and Turner and Ludlam above him. The crowd was excessive and there was no burial service.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 23:49:55 +0000
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