THE DEATH OF MARWOOD.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3830, 25 October 1883, Page 4

THE DEATH OF MARWOOD.

The death of Marwood, the common hangman, which took place ou the Ith of September from inflammation of the lungs, accompanied by jaundice, terminated a somewhat remarkable career. He had held the office for about twelve years, his first engagement being at Lincoln in 1871, and his last, about two months ago, in London. AVheu he was appointed to the post ho was successful for some time in keeping the fact from the knowledge of his neighbors, but When it became known his presence in the little town of Horncastlo was not at all appreciated, and ho Avas continually hooted and hissed. This practice gradually wore off ; and when not engaged in his professional duties—or "on circuit " as housed to term it—lie was employed as a cobbler in ci little shop close to the parish church. Over the doors the words " Marwood, Crown Office," in large letters, showed that ho was not ashamed of his work, and a very short conversation with him -was sufficient to show that he looked upon himself as a benefactor of the human race. The little shop was filled with implements of his work as a country cobbler, but hanging from the roof there were some curious coils of rope, concerning which he was particularly proud. Somehow or other he had obtained possession of a rope used by Calcraft, ivith a clumsy slip knot, and lie compared it with considerable self-assertion with the ropes hanging from his ceiling, Which were mado to his order iv Government workshops. Until he was executioner, ho said, ho had never seen an execution, but for many years he had thought over tho subject, and he objected to the way in which Calcraft " choked " his prisoners to death. Thero were many attempts to get a portrait of Marwood, but he always refused. An enterprising photographer offered him £50 one day for a sitting, but he declined, his explanation being that one of tho things ho enjoyed was to go to a town by an earlier train than that by which ho was expected, and mix with the crowd that was awaiting his arrival.