I too seem to remember another book (a library book, I get through dozens!) which dealt with the history of the death penalty. I was interested in the Lollards, but this particular tome travelled through the ages. I seem to remember it said that when a woman was hanged, she was made to wear some kind of 'modesty garment' so people couldn't see anything indecent as she hung in the air. Sometimes they tied a cord around her legs at the bottom, over her dress. Macabre that the thousand of spectators could have been fazed by the sight of a woman's legs etc but didn't mind in the least watching her death struggles as she strangled slowly on the end of a rope (it wasn't swift). Between the two gateposts at Norwich Castle, many hangings were carried out. The crowds were phenomenal; there was music and broadsheet vendors, and food for sale. A regular day out for all the family!
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