Forum Topic

History of Wandsworth Prison

The Friends of Putney Library present a fascinating talk on the History of Wandsworth Prison. Come along on Thursday 3 April to hear the talk given by Stewart McLaughlin, Curator of the Wandsworth Prison Museum. Refreshments will be served from 6 pm and the talk begins at 6.30.This is a free event, donations welcome.Book your place with staff at the library, or email Putney.library@GLL.org

Catherine Schade ● 96d11 Comments

Yes, the talk was interesting so thanks to the Friends of Putney Library for organising it. And thanks to the speaker

Elizabeth Balsom ● 81d

Wow! That is some story; what a family history.The three sons following in the family trade is something else; there must have been quite a demand for hangmen back in the day.It would make a fantastic film, have ever spoken to anyone about it? Get Nick Cave to do the soundtrack; it would be a killer!

Gerry Boyce ● 86d

Thé talk was indeed fascinating. Stewart McLaughlin, the museum curator, was so well informed. He gave a really interesting talk, without notes and illustrated by well chosen photographs.

Jane Carter ● 87d

Gerry, you may be not far wrong there.  It's all in a book written about him by Alison Bruce in 2009 "Billington: Victorian Executioner".  She based it partly on the testimony of another of his great grandchildren, Nigel Preston, who I never knew but who met my mother once to pick her brains on the family history.  He was descended from one of James Billington's daughters while I was descended from another.  Billington had seven children so there must be a lot of great grandchildren! It was all a huge secret in our family and I wasn't told about it until I was an adult, and then it wasn't my parents who spilt the beans but another relative.  According to the book his three sons all became hangmen too but I never knew that either.

Jonathan Callaway ● 87d

Maybe it was a hobby that he turned into a career.

Gerry Boyce ● 88d

Jonathan, I'm sure we would all like to know how your great grandfather became a hangman. Hopefully he was interviewed for the job rather than having to audition!

Adam Tripp ● 89d

I won't get back in time for work for this talk which looks fascinating. Are they broadcast by Zoom?

Peter Higgins ● 89d

@Jonathan'My great grandfather was a hangman in the early 1900s'Wow now that really is fascinating!

Sue Hammond ● 95d

I think this will indeed be interesting. Some years ago when I was a trustee of Wandsworth Museum we had an exhibition which included items from the Prison Museum, such as the hangman’s rope, a postcard from Ronnie Biggs in Brazil sent to the governor “wish you were here” etc etc. My great grandfather was a hangman in the early 1900s and travelled the country doing his job. His fee was a gold sovereign and he appeared several times at Wandsworth Prison. I was never told about this until I was an adult. He also ran a pub and was a Methodist lay preacher!

Jonathan Callaway ● 95d

HalloOK, have already booked and looking forward to the talk!

Carole Tanner ● 95d

That would be fascinating but unfortunately I am unable to attend.🙁 I would love to know if it still has a gallows and whether it is routinely maintained.

Sue Hammond ● 95d