|
|
 |
As gruesome as it may seem, executions were a part of life in early Queensland. Criminals convicted of serious crimes faced the prospect of death by hanging.
Colonial authorities were at least mindful of the need to carry out the execution as humanely as possible. This is evidenced by a circular sent to the Queensland Colonial Government from the British Colonial Office in December 1880.
The circular provided detailed information for carrying out the sentences in a manner that avoided “mismanagement or an adherence to barbarous usages” with consideration to the weight of the condemned man, the muscular condition of his neck and shoulders, and also the condition of the ropes to be used. The instructions were accompanied by a set of skilfully produced, architectural drawings.
The last execution in Queensland was undertaken in 1913, although capital punishment was not abolished until 1922. The only woman to be hanged was Ellen Thompson, who was convicted of murdering her husband with the help of her lover.
|
 | Memorandum upon the ‘Execution of Prisoners by Hanging with a Long Drop’ - outlines the procedures for an execution, including diagrams, June 1880 (extract)
Queensland State Archives Item ID 1139511, Digital Image ID 2922 Executive Council of Queensland
|
|
 | 1859 Big Ben commissioned in London | |
1859 Brisbane declared capital of Queensland | |
1859 Queensland separated from New South Wales |
|
| | |
|
|
|
|
