On The Wagon

In times past the branches of the tree’s that lined the Thames were used to hang condemned men. In 1220, the first official gallows were built and in 1571 the famous Tyburn-tree Gallows was erected, a huge three pointed structure 18 feet high with crossbeams 9 feet long. It could hang up to 24 people at a time, and often did. The Tyburn-tree was first situated in the village of Tyburn, now the area around Marble Arch but in 1783, due to problems caused by the huge crowds that would swarm along the route; it was moved to Newgate Prison. Despite the move there was still a demand from the crowd to be able to see the prisoners before they were hanged and so ‘viewing’s’ were arranged for paying customers and a new route for the execution procession created. This new route took the prisoners, chained to the execution wagon, in a loop around the east end of the city and back to the prison. The following is the story of John Austin, hanged in 1820 for robbery.

“There it is, the Tyburn tree, my final stop. Been a good crowd today, all enjoying themselves, never seen so many or heard such a din. People hanging out of windows, girls blowing kisses, you gotta smile. ‘Course none can get too close, they make sure of that.

Didn’t know my time had come until midnight when the Bellman turned up at the cell, scared me ‘alf to death there and then he did. All I could see was his face lit by his candle ‘whats your game’ I asked ‘im and he looks me in the eye and says;

“All you that in the condemned hole do lie,
Prepare you for tomorrow you shall die;
Watch all and pray: the hour is drawing near
That you before the Almighty must appear;
Examine well yourselves in time repent,
That you Mary not to eternal flames be sent.
And when St. Sepulchre's Bell in the morning tolls
The Lord above have mercy on your soul.”

Made the hair stand up on the back of my neck it did! After that they let us get dressed in our best suites, I’m in my wedding suite, white as the day I first wore it, and write our final speech. That’s been tricky, I don’t write so well but I got some help. After that he took us all down to be viewed by the toffs, funny lot, what they want to come and look at us for I’ll never know, and they pay for it an ‘all, Maybe as much or more even as I stole, don’t add up does it. Still it’s my own fault, can’t blame no-one else. It’s not just me you understand, there are four of us taking the wagon trip today.

We had to be back at the prison back for nine o’clock sharp so left good and early. It was a lovely sight when the gates were opened, ‘aven’t seen the sun for a long time, nor smelt fresh air, not much of that inside.
The going was slow and bumpy in the old wagon, I s’pose I shouldn’t complain, I made my own bed and now’s the time to lie in it. As we left the prison I could hear the bells from the old church in St. Clements Lane chiming, 6 strikes, so we had about an hour a mile, bit less really cos of stopping for our last beer.

Those cobbles don’t half make you ache, even by the time we got to St Martins I was bruised all over. That was where all me problems started really, they were still there, the money lenders, nasty beggers. Still I can’t blame no-one else I shouldn’t have borrowed the money in the first place, five farthings was all it was, I had no choice, 6 little one’s and a wife to feed. Poor Mary, I hope she’ll be alright without me.

We carried on our way and even after a mile or more I could still hear the bells what let the crowds know we’re on our way. The death knell they call it, morbid lot. It’s the bell from the Sepulchre right next to Bailey street court, that’s where my fate was sealed. It was my own fault though, I couldn’t pay back those five farthings a’ course, how could I, so I borrowed a little more and a little more, well its an old tale aint it, in the end there was only one way to get that money back. I aint a thief you understand, not really, I had no choice. I just hope they don’t send my little ones to the workhouse, it’ll break Mary’s heart that will.

A little further along our way and the crowds were growing, people as far as I could see. The air was thick with the smoke and delicious smells of cooking meats, a real party feel, my party I suppose.

We reached Shoreditch where the theatre stands and stopped for our drink. The Mason’s arms was the chosen spot and though we were still shackled by the arm to the wall it was gratefully received. Only the one, mind you, though a few kindly souls offered us a second, it’s not allowed a’ course, no second drink for those of us what’s on the wagon. ‘I’ll buy you one on the way back’ I joked with a handsome girl on the way out, the crowd loved that, roared they did, have to put on a show for them, they’ve come from all over to see us today. Strange to have been joking at a time like that but truth be told I hadn’t much thought about What was waiting for us at the end, don’t seem much point in feeling sorry for meself I did take that money when all’s said and done, its right and proper that I take my punishment.

Next we passed by Stepney, a really pretty church is St. Dunstan’s. I remember hearing that this is where all the sailors were buried years ago, all their wives weeping at their graves. I hope my wife don’t turn out today, poor Mary, better she misses this, better she stays in with the little ‘uns, god knows I’ve brought them enough sorrow already. I do love them though, you could say I did it for them, not that it’s much comfort to say so. And then to Bow, I knew our journey was half way past then and my time was running low. It was nice to hear the old bells one last time though. I am sorry you understand, sorry I took the money; sorry I didn’t make a better husband and Father, a better person. I’m not scared though, it’s fair and square, I’m ready to meet my maker, I hope he looks kindly on me. I haven’t been all bad.

So here I am now, standing in front of the tree, I haven’t seen Mary, I’m glad; it’s no place for her. My head feels foggy, maybe it’s the beer; the noise of the crowds seem far away. I’ll have my blindfold on soon and then it’ll be over. I hope it’s quick. First I get to give my speech and then I'm on my way.”

“GOOD People give good heed to what I Confess,
Alas GOD's Laws I have transgressed
I stole what was not mine but to others did belong
And I am truly sorry for those that I have wronged
And now O LORD, receive me, LORD I crave thy Mercy, do not forsake my Sinful Soul, but take me for your higher goal.
A M E N “