Executions 1724-1872

Background

Executions on the Island were relatively infrequent - Moore notes:

The Manx customary criminal code was a very severe one. Thus, thefts of the value of sixpence or more were accounted felony, and were punished by death. The result of this was that juries were wont to find that the value of the goods stolen did not amount to that sum. With a view to putting a stop to this practice, it was enacted, in 1629, that all sheep-stealing and "stealing and cutting of bee hives in gardens," whatever the value of the goods stolen, was felony, and that various other thefts of the same kind, but apparently considered as being of a less serious nature, were also felony, if above the value of sixpence, while for thefts below that value the offenders were to be whipped " or set upon a wooden horse." To ensure convictions on such charges " the most sufficient men in the Parishes," i.e., the men of most substance, were to be chosen as jurors. Such sanguinary legislation would naturally become almost a dead letter, and that it was so is shown by the paucity of the death sentences recorded.

A list of 'Felons executed, reprieved and pardoned' for 1640-1648 is also available.

1654 William Kerruish and Robert Callow - Malew parish reg

List

Kewish, a man of diminished mentality, was the last to be executed on the Island.

References

Hampton Creer Never to Return Douglas: Manx Heritage Foundation 2000 (ISBN 0-952-4019-7-5) - includes some discussion on punishment etc.