The History Behind the Execution Dock
London is a historical city with plenty of secrets to unravel. While you might head there for a spot of sightseeing or lunch, there are plenty of darker elements to the capital’s past. One interesting spot on the River Thames is the Execution Dock; here we take a brief look at its history.
What is the Execution Dock?
Book a Thames tour and you’ll likely pass the site of Execution Dock and hear about some of the notorious prisoners that met their end there. Situated on the river just off the shore at Wapping, below the low tide line, this was where convicted pirates, smugglers and mutineers were executed for more than 400 years.
It was the job of the British Admiralty to deal with crimes at sea and sentence those who broke the law, whether at home or abroad. Anyone sentenced to death by Admiralty courts would be paraded from Marshalsea Prison in Southwark, over London Bridge, past the Tower of London and towards the Execution Dock which consisted of a scaffold for hanging. The procession was led by the High Court Marshall on horseback who carried a silver oar that represented the authority of the Admiralty. The prisoners themselves would be transported to Wapping in a rickety old cart, in full view of the crowds. They were encouraged to confess their sins before being hanged.
What Was an Execution Like?
As was customary in the past for public hangings, crowds would gather to see the condemned meet their fate. People would line the banks of the Thames or even moor boats on the river to ensure they got the best view of the hanging - a bit like booking the best seats at a theatre production. It was, quite literally, entertainment.
A hangman who worked at either Tyburn or Newgate prison would come to the Execution Dock to carry out the execution. A shortened rope was reserved for those convicted of piracy. This was considered a much more severe form of punishment as the drop was insufficient to break the prisoner’s neck and therefore it could take a lot longer for them to die. Somewhat unbelievably, however, convicted pirates were allowed a tipple of ale before reaching the Execution Dock. This was thought to have been served at The Turks Head Inn on Wapping High Street, which is now a café. Prisoners were allowed their last quart of ale (a little less than two pints) to take the edge off what was about to happen. Once dead, the bodies would hang until three tides had washed over them. The most notorious pirates were often tarred and their bodies hung in cages along the Thames estuary to act as a deterrent. Perhaps the most famous pirate to be executed at the dock was Captain Kidd. The last executions here took place in 1830.
If you’re interested in London history, a river tour is a great way to learn about the capital’s murky past. The Terrible Thames tour is ideal for adults and older children, offering a performance-based and educational insight into London’s more gruesome stories. Book your tickets today with KX Tickets.
