Jack Ketch executioner | Boiled body parts in his kitchen

In this history video, Jack Ketch executioner | Boiled body parts in his kitchen, Kevin Hicks follows the career of Jack Ketch, executioner to Charles II and James II, and one of the bloodiest public servants ever. We look at how he turns from hangman to axeman, bungling the executions of both Lord Russell and the Duke of Monmouth. We also look at Ketch's kitchen, where he could be found boiling body parts from his victims.
#Executioner #JackKetch #DukeOfMonmouth #LordRussell #PublicServant #execution #axeman #hangman #KetchsKitchen
Check out the Executions playlist for more in this series: • Executions
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LINKS:
Facebook: / historysquad
Twitter: / history_hicks
Website: www.historysquad.ca
IMAGES:
Execution of Duke of Monmouth: Courtesy of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; object no. RP-P-OB-44.638
Execution of Lord Russell: Courtesy Alamy Stock Photo
Tyburn Gallows: Courtesy Alamy Stock Photo
Boiling pot: Courtesy of People's Collection Wales

[@philw8049]

It wouldn’t surprise me if he was “encouraged” to make a messy job of it. The king certainly would want to make examples out of anyone involved with a rebellion.

[@thomashawkins6154]

💯

[@Benson_aka_devils_advocate_88]

He knows all too well what can happen if you displease his Majesty, no?

[@chloewolf9201]

I agree. I do feel he was a bit of a sadist as well . Jmo

[@chloewolf9201]

It’s always had me baffled as to why a huge crowd was drawn to these horrific executions . How could anyone of watched it? I can’t bare to think of it .

[@willfreeman4208]

@@chloewolf9201 curiosity, also you have to think they didn’t have as much “entertainment” as we do today

[@hungryhobbitt6191]

To be able to make such a mess of the executions, yet continue doing so for 20+ years shows that it was not incompetence, but either calculated cruelness, or bribery (which is still in my opinion a vile thing). Jack Ketch was indeed a sadist in my mind and a terribly gruesome man . Fantastic video as always Kevin! Much love from the Isle of Wight!

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm in agreement Jacob. Thanks for your visit and your comment 👍🏻

[@shannonlenz1098]

My thoughts exactly. I would tend to believe he was a bumbling idiot, except the fact he continued for so long. If he didn't care about money he possibly was getting bribes on the side. No one would become executioner and continue to do so for long if they were not cruel and heartless. Probably a bit of all three things.

[@zweispurmopped]

The cruelty might have been on the side of his employers…

[@chrisdooley1184]

I agree. His modern equivalent is that Dr Death neurosurgeon Christopher Dunst(sp?) who intentionally mutilated, paralyzed and murdered patients having very run of the mill neurosurgical procedures which he was not qualified for despite graduating from the surgical program. Same callous disregard for human life. The mini series is on HBO Max and it took me several stop/starts because it is that nerve wracking to watch. After seeing that perhaps you might assign some attributes to Ketch @thehistorysquad

[@thehistorysquad]

@@chrisdooley1184 Ooh, I haven't seen that series, I'll maybe keep an eye out. Cheers 👍🏻

[@iHatePolitics]

I've been binging this guy's videos ever since I found the channel. I could listen to him talk all day long.

[@deathdeathington]

A sadist and a simpleton who embodies the banality of evil. Too stupid to do his job properly, too sadistic to care.

[@thehistorysquad]

That sums it up pretty well 👍🏻

[@datadavis]

A proper hand of the British Government then, lol

[@sirwi11iam]

Well said!

[@banedon8087]

@@datadavis Like all governments at one time or another, yours included.

[@datadavis]

@@banedon8087 did you take that personally?

[@mikebooher2337]

Well, now I understand that line from Alistair Sims movie A Christmas Corol (I think the same movie is just called Scrooge in Great Britain). A character says of a younger Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley, you better watch these two. They would skin Jack Ketch alive and he would never know they had done it. I have watched that movie many times over the years and I always wondered who Jack Ketch was. Thank you Mr Hicks for these informative and educational videos. You are an excellent story teller who obviously has a passion for everything you share with us.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey thanks Mike, I'd forgotten about that line 👍🏻. I hope to cover a bit of Dickens closer to Christmas

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

More good content. There's still speculation as to whether the U.S. Army hangman (Master Sergeant John Woods) at the October 16, 1946 executions of the first Nuremberg defendants (Kietel, Jodl, etc) purposely misapplied the nooses so that the condemned would not be rendered immediately unconscious by severing the spinal cord. Though the witnesses couldn't see the bodies, there are reports of hearing them thrash about, and the Army doctors who did see the bodies complained, and the interior of the gallows are reported to have been blood stained. Woods was never used in further executions.

[@michaelhowell2326]

I've seen a number of videos on Woods and I've been convinced he didn't do out of malice as much as out of incompetence. When asked if anyone had any experience in the matter, he said he did and got the gig.

[@heirtoroma4152]

US western history hangings were frequent. Honestly, the fact that it “could” kill instantly was good enough. Most just half assed it and a horrible public death was the result I’d say over half the time in those days.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@michaelhowell2326 Everyone who was party to that is no longer amongst the living. The defendants were cremated and their ashes deposited in some river that led to the north Atlantic. I never saw any Woods videos, and the only two people who knew for sure was God and him. I did see a few macabre photos of him posing for the camera holding a noose. Imo I think the hangings were more for show/dramatics. A firing squad with all rifles loaded, and an officer with pistol for the coup de grace if needed would have been cleaner and more efficient.

[@panchopistola8298]

They deserved it … so it was a victimless crime .

[@thehistorysquad]

Hmm, didn't the head come off one of those executed?

[@chrisdooley1184]

I’ve read a few takes on Ketch and I think he was a combination of sadist and sociopath. Even his wife was quoted ‘he had not the feelings expressed by others’ if memory serves. No, I think he enjoyed hurting people. He’s a scary figure for sure

[@davidcooke8005]

I think if we had a Jack Ketch or two today, our politicians would be much more well behaved.

[@marka4891]

Go look at how many politicians/nobles were executed back in the day in Britain and then see if you still think that would make a difference.

[@cm275]

It wouldn’t be the politicians he executing.

[@gloworm6387]

@@cm275 true.

[@kayharker712]

Joe Biden is one of his direct descendants.

[@davidabest7195]

@@cm275 - that's why the people need to do it. ASAP. Leave not a single intern breathing. Both sides top to bottom need to stop living.

[@agentmueller]

Love your videos Kevin, watched every single one of them! Anyway we can get some more stories from when you were younger? The stories about the troubles were one of my favorites. You are just as interesting as the history you know and tell!

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey, thanks very much. I have some more personal stories in mind, so stay tuned. 👍🏻

[@emmaevans9498]

Love how you found the personal stories behind the general contrast of the normal "horrible history" motif. You got a sub from me 👍

[@renebrock4147]

Mr. Hicks, I am really enjoying all your videos that I have seen so far. They are very well done. It is obvious the amount of time and research that goes into these productions. I have yet to find anyone here in the states doing this type of thing. The study of history is so important and so sadly neglected, and you present these vignettes with such compassion and grace. Thank you, Sir.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you Rene', I very much appreciate your kind words and am glad you like the videos.

[@buggibug9060]

Sir, I watch all your History episodes and while not British it's a blast to see the often dry story presented with that British humor. You're one of the best. Can I have some more, please!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! There's plenty more to come 😜

[@ludecom-cz1wz]

At least nothing has changed over the years. Man can't do his job and keeps it for 23 years.

[@jayhaack2883]

Entertaining and educational. You're one of the best storytellers around!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, I'm glad you think so, thanks.

[@Insectoid_]

Agreed. He’s brilliant

[@adamcloud705]

Thanks for the informative video! I love thehistorysquad. Keep up the GREAT GREAT work!! Admiration from Indiana USA!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you Adam! Will do!

[@knowshet313]

Love you show! Thank you for entertaining us with the thrill of knowledge.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome!! Glad you enjoy it 👍🏻

[@jacquelinesmith9308]

Another informative interesting Video Kevin. Happy to have found your channel! 💚💚💚

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it too 👍🏻

[@scottrauth8219]

Outstanding story! You have one of my favorites YT channels

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Scott, glad to hear it!

[@nicholasdavies6264]

Love your channel. Always interested in history. Thank you 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheSegadroid]

There’s a lot of history content on KZbin. But nothing I’ve viewed is this engaging or informative. 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks Peter, I'm glad you enjoy it 👍🏻

[@Robert1337_]

what a character. The phrase history repeats itself is unsettling when watching your videos

[@tomhirons7475]

i newer knew that about slap stick kevin, thanks my friend, great informative as usual.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@justsean5774]

Hey Kevin your videos are great and they scare me immensely thinking about it getting a visual of it in my head big thumbs up

[@charlest1984]

I love your channel, been watching since you only had a couple thousand Subs. Keep it up !!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey, thanks Charles, I'm glad you're still watching and enjoying the vids. I appreciate your sub 👍🏻

[@linpollitt8950]

I watched your video of Deadwood and now this one. Fascinating, I like what you do. New subscriber 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Lin, welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@joshleenall]

Love your videos, man. You're a guy I'd love to sit and have a drink with and talk about history and warfare.

[@gregkral4467]

Love your videos, sir. Very informative and fascinating

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Greg!

[@thebedknobs]

Great video precise and concise accounting..keep em coming!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Will do 👍🏻

[@damianval4626]

Love your stories mate ☺️ Always educational, informative and entertaining 😀 I'd love a story about port Arthur here in my my home town,a little bit later I know but still fascinating and brutal history 😳

[@thehistorysquad]

Oooh, thanks for the suggestion, I'll add it to my list, it's an interesting topic indeed 👍🏻

[@kenchesnut4425]

Wow...Great story...The way u tell these histories is just wonderful..Not to gruesome...But enough to get the feeling of being there..MUCH LUV FROM N.AUGUSTA S.C

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@alabamabandofbrotherscampb8777]

Outstanding as always 👏!

[@buggibug9060]

Sir, ich sehe all Ihre History-Folgen und, obwohl kein Brite, macht es einen Heidenspass, die doch oft trockene Geschichte mit diesem britischen Humor präsentiert zu bekommen.Sie sind einer der besten. Bitte mehr davon!

[@thehistorysquad]

Na sicher! Vielen Dank (thank heavens for Google Translate 😉)

[@Austrian_blood]

Your sound has improved greatly! What a ghastly story!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Matthew, we're trying. We'll be moving our studio in a few weeks and will be addressing the sound bounce even more (we hope) 👍🏻

[@franksnyder1038]

Thanks for this story. I'm going to spend the rest of the day just hanging around the house.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@nps2512]

Just found your channel. Subbed. Great vids

[@thehistorysquad]

Great, thanks & welcome 👍🏻

[@richardsanchez9190]

Hey I see Henry the V made a cameo. Glad to see he survived the wound and is doing well. All thanks to that awesome surgeon. Cheers.

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣 Indeed, he'll likely be making a few more cameos as I understand he's quite popular.

[@eileenlocke7877]

Thank u luv yr channel

[@stephenlamley541]

I've heard many stories from historians about this awful man. I'm glad one of my favourites,(as in yourself) is covering it. You are a very good orator imo.

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate that, thanks 👍🏻

[@stephenlamley541]

@@thehistorysquad np i appreciate good content. Being somewhat disabled it's a godsend.

[@louisemerriman1079]

I absolutely love your channel

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm so glad! Thanks Louise 👍🏻

[@211inprogress]

Very interesting, Great upload, i look forward to watching more. All the best. ⚔️🛡️⚔️

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for the visit 👍🏻

[@johnwhittle.22]

Great video 👍🏻 those long bearded execution axes were not easy to use, compared to a modern felling axe they’re not easy to control. They’re too heavy as soon as they bite in, meaning the angle of cut actually changes because the centre of gravity is too high. I’ve used axes for a good many years, doesn’t take much experience to hit what you aim at with a modern axe. But those designed back then for execution in my opinion take an awful lot of experience to use properly, so to give it to anyone not experienced would mean someone being bludgeoned to death

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks John, I have a long bearded axe, but I haven't tried it out yet 😜

[@johnwhittle.22]

@@thehistorysquad you’ll notice you need a different grip even if you chop through a melon 🍉 lol

[@boydauspeditions]

Another fantastic story Kevin, cheers....

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome!

[@junemckenzie3380]

Always so interesting, thank you

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure!

[@patrickrose1221]

Cracking history our Kev, as ever . Have you read " Gerald of Wales" ? The story of the blind man in the tower fletching arrows .

[@thehistorysquad]

I haven't read it but I am familiar 👍🏻

[@phillipallen3259]

Great story Kevin! I'd heard a about old Jack before but you always have more. In my opinion, by way of the descriptions, I'd say he was a simpleton who became sadistic.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

History is ripe with sadists

[@phillipallen3259]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 it most certainly is!

[@thehistorysquad]

👍🏻

[@kayharker712]

I think many of his descendants went to America, Joe Biden being the most famous today.

[@philgreen815]

Speaking of executions, I was a Prison Officer for 23 years, my first posting HMP Chelmsford, we had the old death book, giving a record of executions many years ago. The prison was originally built to take prisoners from Napoleonic wars. And hanging wasn't just for murder? Some theft, burglary, robbery, and of course sheep shagging ? Could bring a death penalty. We actually had a manual and instructions, where to accomadate the condemned, his diet, clothing, permitted visitors, storage of equipment, was all there. Likewise when posted at Hull, the old death book pre war, showed a higher date of death by suicide? Than that of execution. Of course a morbid but fascinating subject, Pierpoints book is a fantastic read. Great presentation, many thanks. Phil.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Phil, that is fascinating. I'm quite interested in Pierpoint but am still yet the book. 👍🏻

[@philgreen815]

I served 23 years as a prison officer and saw many things that I could write a book about, met some of the most infamouse prisoners in maximum security HMP Full Sutton, luckily maintained an amiable relationship with many of the worst. But always in great danger, but as you know from your experience you learn to live with it. @@thehistorysquad

[@crazydiamond2771]

Hi. I found your channel today...you tell great stories in awesome way...real talent...perfect for rainy evenings by the fireplace and hot tea...greetings from Poland

[@thehistorysquad]

Greetings & welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@adamhodgson8287]

solid content , this is what schools are lacking

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

what's worse is what they are teaching...

[@etholus1000]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 Don’t want to get political, I come here mostly to get away from it. But yeah, kids are being taught by marxists and that’s been happening since the 70’s. My aunt, love her to death. Was taught to support socialism in college back then. It’s worst now

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@etholus1000 Not a fan of politics myself. I'm learning more history from valid channels like this. Just that the original post kind of begged that response.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Adam 👍🏻

[@WinterInTheForest]

@@etholus1000 Marxists first infiltrated universities during the 1960s, sowing ideas borrowed from the Frankfurt School. They seized full control in subsequent decades. Public education is beyond embarrassment- it's dangerously propagandist and brainwashing our youth. Many parents are now choosing to home school their kids where this is possible.

[@Face2theScr33n]

I don't like to listen to horror stories all too often, but when presented in this manner, I can't resist.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, I'm with you! I can't remember the last time I watched a horror movie 😜

[@labellaescrima1996]

It reminds me of Albert Pierrepoint who was also an English hangman, he executed between 435 and 600 people in a 25 year career that ended in 1956. His father and uncle Thomas were also executioners. The Pierrepoint's were not the first family of official executioners. There were several before them, including James Billington and his three sons, Thomas, William and John;[ Gregory Brandon and his son, Richard; and the Otway family.

[@aoifeprice912]

My uncle is named Pierrepoint. He looks like uncle fester and he's a funeral director. None of that is humour, unfortunately. It's just horrible, horrible truth.

[@zpy-nq7wv]

GREAT AS ALWAYS SIR .

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@etholus1000]

Just what I needed!

[@jonathanrobertson3406]

Interesting video and all great questions at 7:00 forward. From what I remember in high school history, my teacher told me that incompetent axemen/executioners weren't as rare as one would hope; that there were many accounts of botched executions that took many a swing to get it done. As someone who misses far too often than I'd like when chopping firewood, I imagine I would be a horrible axe executioner. Proper hanging, on the other hand, is more of a science from what I understand.

[@thesausage351]

He was kept employed for a reason I guess. His boss must have thought he was doing a good job. I can’t imagine how barbaric it must have appeared to the onlookers though! Great video, like always!

[@yago8672]

Very informative!

[@blueneeson9888]

What A Brilliant Video Thanks From Blue

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, cheers Blue 👍🏻

[@richardmacpherson7647]

Thanks to this video I'm now looking up the Monmouth Rebellion as never knew it ever happened. Or never knew anything about Ketch

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent. I'll get around to covering the Monmouth Rebellion one of these days 👍🏻

[@Chellebelle121]

Always love your videos. Reminds me of Nearly Headless Nick, from Harry Potter. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington. ☺️ It took 45 hacks to kill him, and even then, his neck was only partially severed, leading to the name of nearly headless. Thank you for the video! I always find them ever so fascinating.

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

Whew! That is terrible! Thanks for the history lesson.

[@theradtaco6547]

I think that, even if he was incompetent, he was most certainly a sadist. There comes a point where even if you're an idiot the actions are far too purposeful and cruel to not be deliberate

[@BJJISTHEGAYPARTOFMMA]

Your making it sound like anyone can swing axes at peoples necks and severe them first hand. Even if I was a sadist, I’d make sure I’d do a good job if I was promised more money for it. The thing I can’t work out is why was he the go to man if he did such terrible jobs at it.

[@mr-x7689]

​@@BJJISTHEGAYPARTOFMMA Because being an executioner was not an go to job. It was given to people who was already condemned to be executed, or was handed down. Like from father to son. There are some rare occurrences where someone have been picked out of a crowd and forced to do the job, and then being stuck with it life out. Executioners where shunned, and forbidden to live near "Decent" people. Most wouldn't even look or talk to you if it was your job. So there weren't a lot of executioners around. And if you are the only one they got, and you are shit at your job. Well... then you are out of luck. Can't really go and get another one, when people will do just about anything. NOT to become one.

[@als3022]

Executioners, Gong farmers, and resurrection men. Doing the dirty jobs that make civilized life possible for the rest of us.

[@stevenschnepp576]

@@BJJISTHEGAYPARTOFMMA "Your making it sound like anyone can swing axes at peoples necks and severe them first hand." You say that like he got better over the years.

[@BJJISTHEGAYPARTOFMMA]

@stevenschnepp576 no that's just your assumptions Steven.

[@RustyyMann]

It seems the only reason to employ an executioner so notoriously cruel and bad, is, I suppose, to put fear into the crown’s enemies.

[@adrianstreet8330]

I love your content. Very comprehensive and informative in a clear way. I am of an opinion that Jack Ketch was a simple man who enjoyed the gains from his grisly profession but it sat poorly on his mind so he turned to drink, unfortunately not the best thing to combine with accurate axe work. What's your thoughts Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, I'd agree somewhat but I really do think he enjoyed killing, not just the financial gain. 👍🏻

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

It's a bit harder to hit accurately with force with an axe than most people would imagine, especially under pressure. Other countries used a sword and a kneeling victim and it seemed to have more success

[@Mooncake69420]

Watching your videos make me churn and gag sometimes but I can't stop.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@eileenlocke7877]

Thank u Kevin luv yr stories

[@MZeki-gw2xg]

Really well told. I think he was more incompetent than sadistic and all that larking about with the severed heads is just to impress the guests, he’s a fool essentially. Curiously in Istanbul outside Topkap1 palace there are some marble plinths each with a thick metal spike on top; the heads of the executed were displayed there, also boiled and salted. It is said that Vlad the Impaler’s (Dracula) head was so treated and kept there for a month.

[@datadavis]

Its a better punishment to be tortured and executed by a retarded idiot and have him play with your remains.

[@AnotherBrownAjah]

What a delightful treat for my lunch break

[@KJW-js9bv]

I love your channel. Please tell me that you teach or at some point taught history

[@thehistorysquad]

I do 👍🏻. I spent 25 years teaching history freelance through workshops and now I do webinars for the Inuit and remote students in Canada

[@philw8049]

Love your videos Kevin! As has been said many times over, you are a fantastic storyteller. I just have one suggestion. Make your videos longer! They average around 10 minutes, now I’m guessing you are a good enough storyteller to double that and make just as entertaining (perhaps even more?) a video. Just my opinion 😁

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Phil, it's been said a few times I know, but I'm supposed to be in retirement 😜 and they do take time to create. 👍🏻

[@vinny142]

@@thehistorysquad You'll never retire from this stuff, you have way too many stories to tell. Just make sure you press record when you tell them.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜👍🏻

[@petemarcantel4056]

Good day Mr Hicks from Lake Charles Louisiana, I really enjoy your KZbin channel as it reminds me of times sitting with my Pop that you can view @KZbin "Larry Marcantel DLA FLAG RAISING". He was an historic First Sergeant in the Army served in 3 tours in Nam. A great Christian father...and we'll liked by his troops as proper First Sergeant. We spent hours over coffee discussing History and military campaign... Watching you this morning while having coffee...very good start to my day... I think your channel is one of the best and you are very good historian Keep up the great work...God bless you my friend. Pete Marcantel

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey Peter, just watched the flag raising, how lovely! You all must be very proud. I'm really glad you enjoy the videos and appreciate your kind words. Best wishes, Kevin

[@bethpemberton7980]

Good job of a gruesome tale!!

[@drTERRRORRR]

I have a feeling that the execution parties were just "dance macabre" except the Death was dancing popping the Extasy pills like tic-tacs.

[@plastikmaiden]

This could not have come at a better moment!

[@thehistorysquad]

😳 Dare I ask why?

[@plastikmaiden]

Haha I think I just sat down with a snack, looking for something to watch :)

[@africandawahrevival]

​@@thehistorysquad😂

[@lisad476]

Interesting. Thankyou

[@mattieb7348]

Well Kevin, I picked the wrong time to watch your video...bedtime. LOL! I should have stopped while I was ahead (no pun intended) when I still had hope of falling asleep without leaving a light on but, you are such a good storyteller, I couldn't look away. I think old Jack Ketch was a professional serial killer who enjoyed torturing his victims / customers. God only knows what made him such a very evil man. Thank you for another fascinating history lesson!

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, cheers Mattie, I hope you slept well 😜

[@alliecollin1748]

You're amazing! 💕

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you 😂 and thanks for watching

[@sk8mysterion]

Always a joy to watch:)

[@sonyad4765]

You'd think if he wanted to do it well, he would've practiced after the first debacle. Love your videos! I was wondering if you could do some early medieval stuff - Anglo-Saxon/Viking period?

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm working on some ideas and getting some kit together as we speak. I have a model ship too that's dying to get out of the box. 👍🏻

[@Briselance]

Mr Kevin Hicks, my good sir, you truly are a storyteller and a bit of a showman. I get this feeling that you could have been a cinema and theatre actor.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, thanks very much. I've had a pretty good career though and feel as though I've done some good work in education 👍🏻

[@adyninja66]

Really interesting as always I look forward to these videos 👍. I can't help wondering that with a name like ketch and all the blood thirst that maybe ketchup was named after this guy haha, I'm going to go ahead and believe that anyway ☺️ great stuff as ever boss 👌

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, that's a great link to ketchup 👍🏻

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

Jack Ketch is such a brilliant villains name

[@dennis2376]

Thanks!

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome!!

[@markkeegan7535]

Kev, yourself involved in law enforcement, the concept of crime and punishment boggles the mind. Through countless centuries it seems like no matter the severity of punishment crime continues to flourish despite best efforts. Makes one appreciate the difficulty and struggle experienced by those committed to fighting crime.

[@vinny142]

"it seems like no matter the severity of punishment crime continues to flourish" Criminals often think they are going to get away with their crime. The threat of 10 years in jail means nothing if you are convinced that you won't get caught.

[@cm275]

@@vinny142 Lots of crimes are also committed sour of the moment by poor impulse control so they haven’t thought it through.

[@scrappydoo7887]

@@vinny142 the fact remains that the majority are not caught

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@vinny142 Or if/when they are caught, they are as comfortable inside the walls as they are free to run the streets

[@Faceplay2]

I can answer that a little bit for you. I actually used to work in law enforcement before switching over to becoming a private investigator. At least in the states, and I’m pretty sure it’s similar with modern day. UK, the most criminals who do crime it’s drug related. Like 90% worth and when someone is fighting to get there, next kick of a major drug like crystal meth they’re not thinking logically like a normal person. Most crime nowadays that aren’t like someone holding up a Store is done more organized and it’s more white collar crime because anyone that’s thinking logically isn’t going to risk robbing a store or something because it’s just such a high chance of you getting caught. In the medieval times I imagine people attempted to do these crimes because it would’ve been a lot harder to track someone down then in the year 2024. Obviously, they didn’t have surveillance obviously people to be paid off a lot easier than nowadays, and there wasn’t really like of full police force like we have nowadays to investigate crimes. You would have a lot of untrained civilians, who are helping the local sheriff out hoping you find something.

[@jennylionheart]

Think your great the way you read these stories true stories

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like them!

[@polartechie]

It's like that guy didn't know about the concept of Practice!

[@shredasaur8857]

I love these videos

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@hemaccabe4292]

This was a great story and change of pace. Hard to believe they wouldn’t have practiced their craft. Maybe the awful treatment was part of the deterrent?

[@stevenschnepp576]

Or the spectacle.

[@hemaccabe4292]

@@stevenschnepp576 Ouch! 😝

[@blueneeson9888]

A Very Good Video From Blue

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Blue 👍🏻

[@jbos5107]

I really enjoy your videos. I know that you were a police officer but you would have been a great teacher. In fact I would say that you are a great teacher.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers J Bos, my third career, after the army and police force was in fact in education, not as a teacher though as I never qualified, but as a freelance doing as I do here on YT, but in the classroom. Kids loved it 👍🏻

[@peterrussell9231]

Thank you

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome

[@Queen-of-Swords]

Very interesting, thanks. Pierrepoint would never have approved of that! He always did the job proper. Bit of vitiligo there Kev? Got psoriasis and lichen schlerosis myself, welcome to the club.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're right he wouldn't have had any messing about, he took pride in his job. Ouch, Julie has a friend with lichen and it's awful, at least vitiligo doesn't cause me any pain. 👍🏻

[@Queen-of-Swords]

@@thehistorysquad its not so bad once you've got it under control. But considering its supposedly a "rare" skin disease everyone seems to know someone who has it!

[@gloworm6387]

Any of the above is plausible. Especially since most people wouldn't be so quick to turn away a bag of gold. Unless he was somehow going to get that bag anyway & knew it. Great episode Mr. Hicks! 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Gloworm 👍🏻

[@denkat4732]

Oh, I wonder how you are connected to Dr Hicks...it would be fascinating to find out.

[@theidahotraveler]

Good morning from the Rocky Mountains of Idaho!

[@thehistorysquad]

Morning Idaho!! Or rather it's good evening now - sorry I've been late catching up. I hope you had a great day 👍🏻

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

They didn't need a spike but a toast rack...

[@deathdeathington]

🤣🤣🤣

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

I heard the first time about him, many thanks for telling the story to us! I am relatively sure that there was some extra cash for a bad job involved. Why should someone like him else throw away the reward Monmouth offered? And, given the King was involved, it would have been a bad idea to disappoint him...

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, odd isn't it, I'm with you on that one 👍🏻

[@the_rover1]

better to be executed by guillotine rather than the kings' executioner jack ketch lmao

[@n1msu]

Fantastic videos as always Kevin! Watching you describe what you've read makes me think that Jack's actions, if he was playing to the crowd made some of the crowd question why they are there in the first place to see a man get tortured and perhaps he is the scapegoat, for the guilt the people who watch executions as entertainment feel if that makes sense. The only comparison I can think is when for example a gay man is beaten up by another man, sometimes it turns out that the man giving the beating is also gay but has psychological issues with accepting it.

[@lizmacleod8903]

Very interesting subject Kevin thank you. A very gory subject but I have always been fascinated by the reality of exicutions, not in a relishing way but in a way that we can never forget this period in history. Im a retired nurse and have seen quite a few terrible injuries. Thefe is also the debate about how long the head survives following decapitation from the body, really scary. Jack ketch, must have been sadistic to have no remorse in improving his axe work surely? He couldn't had any concience as the butchering continued. He must have enjoyed it, also been bribed by higher authorities to make it as gruesome as possible to work as a deterrent? In a programme on T. V. Anne Boleyns brother was subjected to a horrific execution. The axeman was very drunk and missed several times, whereas Anne was beheaded with a sword in one blow by a French executioner. ( you will know all this) her body haphazardly placed in an old arrow chest . Thank you for your detailed work .

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Liz 👍🏻

[@Deetzbaby]

Hey Kevin and fellow squad members, quick question and maybe has been asked but how much is a Guinea? I'm not familiar as to the worth of british currency in the terms of the period? Thank you for all your doing and your great videos, keep it up!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

There were 21 shillings to the guinea, or £1, 1shilling. Back in Ketch's time that would be worth the equivalent of £125 (or the approximate wages of a skilled man for 11 days) 👍

[@r.j.powers381]

Ever since i read of Mary Queen of Scots bungled execution I've been wary of reading others. Ketch is a perfect example of what every condemned person feared. This is why Henry VIII spared Anne the axe and had a swordsman from France do the deed. Creepy video of this man. Would make a horrific horror film that i would not go see. Your research is amazing.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers RJ 👍🏻

[@brettpaterson8042]

Gruesome yet fascinating bit of history Kevin, well told and as always interesting. He probably was paid to do a bad job, but I do think he enjoyed what he done though, so maybe a sadist. Either that or just rubbish at chopping wood 🤣. Much appreciated Kevin.👏

[@szili76]

Just eating lunch here at work. Sure, i’ll watch this vidjeo. 😂

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@rusa5052]

Interessting to hear the History of english Executioners of that time and more about the History of England. The 100 years war Playlist is best 👍 About Gallows: I dont know if it was more common to build a new gallow for every single execution or have permanent gallows. Its not english history but tried to research our local history and can tell this: on a Hill over the town of Plauen, close to my village of Reusa (germany) there once was a Triangle gallow on which could 3 criminals be hung at the same time, it was removed in the 1850's. It was build in the early 1630's by a Degree that said every Master of the craft-guilds in this Area, and all of his workers, even Trainees, must lay Hand on it together, it was 340+ Men who build it. It was ment as a Statement for the law and to remind everybody to respect it.

[@thehistorysquad]

A great comment Rusa, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Stand by shortly for another video on just this topic 👍🏻