This enthralling programme has returned, but made a dubious claim in the third epsode. Apparently, Jack Ketch was so hopeless at swinging an axe in a straight line, you would be better off as a commoner if facing execution, because almost anyone could be reasonably competent at short drop hanging, where breaking the subject’s neck… Continue reading Secrets of the Royal Palaces (series 3)
Tag: beheadings
HENRY VIII LOSES HIS HEAD
Only 500 years or so too late, Karma finally takes its toll of England’s Nero… Strangely, I found this amusing image on the very day I found out my oldest known relative was (according to Wikitree) related to old Henry ‘in the 29th degree’ via Henry’s sister Margaret “Tudor”. I admit I was inconsolable… Continue reading HENRY VIII LOSES HIS HEAD
HENRY VIII: THE EVEN HANDED PERSECUTOR
Some folks out there have recently been trying to justify the long list of people executed by Henry VIII because ‘at least they had a trial’ or ‘because it was over religion, and there were always beheadings, pressings, burnings over religion.’ Well, surprisingly, I must agree with them on one thing. Henry sure could be… Continue reading HENRY VIII: THE EVEN HANDED PERSECUTOR
Quite an unfortunate family
Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, cannot be called unlucky. The story of his revolt against Richard III, ending in Salisbury at the start of November 1483 is so well known that even Shakespeare has the right end of this particular stick. However, his family suffered fates that they didn’t always deserve so obviously: 1)… Continue reading Quite an unfortunate family
Those misunderstood “Tudors”?
According to Holinshed, the cuddly Henry VIII ordered the executions of some 72,000 people. Adding in the effects of his father’s reign and those of his children might well take the total to about 100,000 although that may exaggerate their rate somewhat. What a good thing this wasn’t a recognised separate dynasty until Hume’s time,… Continue reading Those misunderstood “Tudors”?
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