Execution of Robert Kewley, 5 June 1818

taken from Manks Advertiser :

On Friday last between 11 and 12 o'clock (5 June) this unfortunate man was executed on the gallows lately erected upon the lake near Castletown. After spending a considerable time in prayer he was conducted from Castle Rushen in a cart - being seated on a board placed across - his arms pinioned, white night cap on and the halter fixed around his neck. Another board was affixed at the bottom of the cart, on which the Rev. Messrs. Howard, Qualtrough, and Christian (being the clergymen who have substantially attended him since the death warrant arrived) were seated and with whom Kewley held serious conversation, stooping forward. For that purpose, a funeral psalm was sung before the rest which was attended by a detachment of the 95th Regiment quartered in this Island, also by the Captains of Parishes, each bringing with him horsemen out of each parish - to the Lieut. Governor's order. The general cavalry of the Island, with the Coroners, constables and supernumerary constables, were in attendance, and the greatest concourse of people ever remembered in this Island on any occasion.

On reaching the place of execution (where the coffin was placed) he entered into prayer with the clergymen for a considerable time, with all he shook hands and lastly the executioner whose hand he kissed. After exhorting all around him to take warning by his untimely end, he was launched into eternity - dying instantly. The office of hangman was performed by a person of the name of Quilliam, who had been a prisoner in Castle Rushen. The execution has excited a general and awful sensation - being nearly 40 years since anything of the kind occurred in this Island; and from the solemn manner in which it was conducted it is to be hoped, it will have a good effect. We are well informed that although this unfortunate man had long conducted himself in a depraved and hardened manner, he died a sincere and true penitent. His remains were interred in K.K. Braddan Churchyard at ten o'clock on Sunday morning.

By the 'Lake' was presumeably meant the harbour below the newly erected road bridge.

Robert Quilliam was transported to New South Wales on board prison ship Hebe in July 1820 - at time of his trial in 1816 the Manx law did not allow for transporation but changes brought in in 1817 to align Manx Law better with English Law allowed this punishment. Hampton Creer states that Death was commuted to Life on 3 June 1816 (presumeably on usual Manx condition that he became hangman!) but this does not quite tie in with Train's anecdote though neither does the character of Kewley.

References

Hampton Creer Never to Return Douglas: Manx Heritage Foundation 2000 (ISBN 0-952-4019-7-5).