John "Babbacombe" Lee | The man they couldn't hang

In this video, Kevin Hicks tells the strange story of John "Babbacombe" Lee, the man they couldn't hang. In 1884, the most horrible murder of Emma Keyse occurred in the sleepy seaside village of Babbacombe Bay in Devon, England. Despite pleading his innocence suspect John Lee, an employee of Emma Keyse, was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged at Exeter Gaol, but for reasons still unexplained he survived three execution attempts. This topic was voted for by our Patreon members.
#BabbacomeLee #JohnLee #JohnBabbacombeLee #BabbacomeMurder #EmmaKeyse #Execution #Murder #1884 #1885 #Hanging
If you'd like to support the channel further on PATREON, and help us continue making fun, fascinating videos, check out our PATREON page  / thehistorysquad
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CREDIT:
Thanks to historic researcher Ian Waugh’s website murderresearch.com for the meticulous research and collection of records that helped form the content to our video. There's also lots of detail in the book The Man They Could Not Hang: The True Story of John Lee
by Holgate, Mike; Ian David Waugh. www.biblio.com/book/could-han...

[@poeda6637]

You're such a great storyteller!

[@thehistorysquad]

That's really kind, thank you.

[@TheGeezzer]

Its the way he tells em!

[@nassermj7671]

Any story in a Brit accent - lay it on me!

[@oldcargeezer]

True story as well.

[@thirdiprodigy3579]

Yes I agree :)

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Nothing stranger than the truth...

[@petehall889]

I had heard of John Lee and the fact that several attempts to hang him failed, but was unaware of the details. Thank you ever so much for filling yet another gap in my knowledge Kevin. Love the model - shame there was such a delay while they tried to fix the trap door - John must have got fed up hanging around so long! 😄

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, oh stop it 🤣🤣🤣

[@chrisbrown8640]

Being innocent he knew he'd just have to hang in there till they let him go.....

[@petehall889]

@@chrisbrown8640 Yes, they probably told him to hang on... 🤣

[@spencerkleiman5035]

"Hang tight"

[@petehall889]

You're right, I must move on from this - no point in hanging about 🤪

[@Cardifftoyboy1]

Albert Pierrepoint was the most professional and well remembered. It took him seconds from the condemned entering the chamber to the drop and death. He choreographed it to perfection with his assistants who were trainee hangmen. He had one assistant who got so flustered he placed the noose around the neck of one of the guards holding the prisoner. Lucky for him Pierrepoint was meticulous and checked everything in the seconds before pulling the lever...I read a book detailing the history of hangmen and it was fascinating ....They were paid very little and would sometimes go for months without being called to perform their duty. Very good video... Thank you so much.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching and yes, Pierrepoint is definitely on my list to cover 👍🏻

[@bigmanfoamy4589]

i wish i could see the look on the guards face

[@Re-Todd_Howard]

How did the guard not realize he had a noose on his neck? 😂

[@zenobiuskondo4200]

The book titled The last hang man, i also read the first version of the book.

[@stephenwarhurst6615]

Another Great story yarn 😊 reminds me of the story of Anne Greene who survived a hanging and came back to life when her body was used as a cadaver and the medical studies found she had a light pulse and revive her. She was pardon because judge thought it was a acted of god and she then lived a long and happy life. With research today evidence shows she was really innocent

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, another amazing tale to research, thanks 👍🏻

[@Tia-gy1ij]

i think she was convicted of infanticide but it was actually a miscarriage.. i read a fantasy version of her story

[@robertsaget6918]

We love you Kevin! Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world!

[@peetyw8851]

Another intriguing story, Mr Hicks. Fairport Convention was a favorite of mine as well, and I still give their albums/CDs a listen now and then. Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, there's so much more to it but it gets complex. Sadly I haven't heard FC in eons.

[@lemming9984]

@@thehistorysquad Fairport Convention today are a pale shadow of their 70s greatness. Insipid MOR songs, that are instantly forgettable!

[@loddude5706]

Could this incident be why Jim called his band The Doors? - cue spooky Moog intro . . . : )

[@garybrindle6715]

@@lemming9984 you are not listening to the newer line ups, they keep the name but are different and still deliver good covers of older material.

[@waynehiggins16]

Love your channel. The way you explain history is brilliant. I've learnt so much watching your work. Thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@kalgrave497]

Love watching these on my lunch break, absolutely fantastic as always !

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!

[@allenjenkins7947]

I had heard this story before, but not told as well as this. I also read that the reason that the gallows did not work was that moisture had seeped into the interlocking leaves of the trapdoor. While they opened normally with no load, or a light load, as soon as a person was stood on the mark, they jammed.

[@projectinlinesix]

Kevin "The Hangman" Hicks was really excited to show off that awesome model! Thank you for this video, sir!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@stephendavies2410]

This is marvelous you are a great story teller. Bthank you.

[@mr.b.w.3146]

I thought I'd heard of this story when I was about ten years old, I'm now 57. Thanx for the the video, interesting!

[@ukrulesall1]

Recently discovered your channel. It’s now my favorite!! Such amazing content and storytelling.

[@owenshale8719]

Your story telling and your KZbin channel is amazing and is One of the best and brightest up my day thank you for being here you are a wonderful person Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you

[@owenshale8719]

You are very welcome

[@keithdavies1395]

@@thehistorysquad Any idea what happened to his children? Did he have any children born in America? Wonder if he has any descendants. Enjoyed listening.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@keithdavies1395 Thanks Keith, he did have children although I don't know what happened to them. I believe he had another child when he was in America, but I don't think it survived him.

[@keithdavies1395]

@@thehistorysquad 👍 Thanks pal,really enjoyed it,first one I've seen.

[@Bjornbroder1]

Love this channel so much, I dont always comment, but when I do it to praise you ability to tell stories thanks you so much.

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate that! Watching quietly is good too, thanks 👍🏻

[@cromwellg60]

Just found this channel recently and its an absolute gem

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, and welcome. There's plenty to catch up on and lots more to come. 👍🏻

[@mickusable]

Another interesting video Kev, not heard about this chap, enjoyed it none the less 🤘🏹

[@DDubya004]

Great history lesson sir! Thank you! You're a fantastic story teller. Cheers from New Jersey, US.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening 👍🏻

[@jackieniemiera5052]

I'm from New Jersey too.

[@yvonnepetty3400]

Heard this story. We had a lovely holiday in Babbacome Devon .l live in Africa. Thank you. Well done.

[@tonycarver9570]

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Many thanks.

[@adamwoodhouse7865]

Great listen thank you

[@Steibre]

A pleasure to watch as always thank you

[@tomhirons7475]

Great vid Kevin, i lived in Babbacombe, and the story is still told there.

[@Bryman1970]

I just recently subscribed. I'm a big fan of medieval history, and you do an excellent job of telling us about it. Thanks for everything you do!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks and welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@willo7734]

Really great video! Glad I found your channel.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks and welcome 👍🏻

[@billbarton9046]

Keep these stories coming.Very fascinating and enjoyable.

[@thehistorysquad]

Will do 👍🏻

[@stephendavies2410]

​@@thehistorysquadl89l99l9ll9l9l9l0l08o0

[@meemigemeemes7875]

This Channel and Kevin are so awesome! I watch the Videos together with my Kids and we just Love them! Keep up the good work and thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

We will! Cheers 👍🏻

[@michaelfitzell2741]

A great video, and very creative!

[@murkyseb]

I did enjoy that, was very interesting. Great work!

[@Jester77o7]

I've been watching your channel for the last week because I am a history buff. I Enjoy a lot of the content and your storytelling. This story hit home a little bit closer than I ever thought it would as I live about an hour or two away from Milwaukee Wisconsin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cool! Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@auntievenom9619]

Awesome story. Thanks so much!

[@bobsgirl100]

Just found your channel. Love it!

[@thehistorysquad]

Yay! Thank you!

[@peterkost4376]

Great job kev!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Peter, I appreciate that 👍🏻

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

Always interesting, entertaining and well done. May GOD bless

[@robertscheinost179]

I loved the story. Thanks!

[@pozzee2809]

So fascinating. Love your set 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@bassingman9911]

Just found your channel and can't stop watching. You sir are a great storyteller and teacher. Can't wait to watch the rest of your videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, thank you & welcome aboard 👍🏻

[@alanwilson6367]

Wonderful presentation thank you.😮

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Fascinating! You're a wonderful teacher, Kev.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks as ever for watching 👍🏻

[@josephinequinn8782]

Loved that model you made, you clearly enjoyed building it!! Sad & horrible tale, horrible for victim and condemned man.😙

[@liamlilley2959]

I'm a bit late to this one Kevin I must admit, I've been working my way through the holiday uploads but once again you deliver a great story, great stuff! Hope you and the Historysquad had a Happy New Year, all the best

[@thehistorysquad]

No worries Liam, glad you enjoyed it!

[@buzsalmon]

Another good one!

[@MrBanzoid]

Great video, thanks. I remember the Fairport Convention album as well!

[@johnnybeer3770]

I grew up in Babbacombe and lived next to an old fisherman who worked on the beach and new John Lee . He said when Reginald Templer died , someone that was stood at the graveside remarked " There goes the Babbacombe murderer " .

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, I read that as part of my research too, there was definitely something more to that story. 👍🏻

[@nicholasdavies6264]

Very interesting Kevin 👍.... thank you .

[@MrButtonpresser]

Very well told, thanks

[@joeygawl4346]

Thanks for the story .

[@julescapper4231]

I look forward to these story videos , always brill

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jules, glad you like them!

[@als3022]

When I started this channel I was sure I remember Kevin from BBC documentarys. And found some and sure it was. Good to hear as the personal style is enjoyable.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks buddy, I've done a few 'guest' spots over the years, but that was all a long time ago. It's great to research & share the stories and histories I'm interested in now and doing them in my own style without having to follow someone else's agenda. 👍🏻

[@als3022]

Glad I found my way here to enjoy them.

[@mrgpf2008]

Enjoyed this story👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@LilyFisher4]

Amazing story. However you Sir are an absolutely amazing story teller. Great video and channel

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly Lily!

[@lyndalawrence4383]

You are a great orator and I love the models for emphasis, I love history, you are my hero.......🥰🥰🥰

[@thehistorysquad]

Awe, thanks Lynda 👍🏻

[@samwillock7626]

Just find your channel great video going to watch the others now x

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, thanks Sam. Welcome aboard!

[@santinodellera]

Thank you for that story Uncle Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening 😜

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

I think I heard about this story at school in the 1960’s from my history teacher. Thank you for a great story. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening Scott 👍🏻

[@jameslwjtoler]

This is like Townsends, but waaaaay more my style. Dark and dreary, yet informative. I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome aboard!

[@franksnyder1038]

Fairport Convention. I haven't listened to their tunes in 50 years. Kevin's models and music to revisit, thanks Squad.

[@S3L3N3BEAR]

I got excited when I saw the model! I love all the demonstrations on this channel!

[@paulgumbley4868]

Great story telling Kevin. I heard you speak at Warwick Castle over the years, always informative and well presented . 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks 👍🏻

[@mickharrison9004]

What an amazing castle Warwick , absolutely stunning 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@kurnuyt5742]

Amazing story told from one of the greatest story tellers on the planet ( and beyond ) nice entertainment before bedtime i must say 😉

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks!! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@HeInZoMe]

I enjoy your knowledge and story telling sir.Geat!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@phillyry]

Another AWESOME STORY! You're the Best Brother! MAVERICK from Philly

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers brother 👍🏻

[@PINTandDALE]

I too learned of this story from Fairport Convention's recording, but you added the final kicker with the detail that Lee ended up in Milwaukee, where I lived when I first heard the album. Thanks!

[@mallatratt36]

hi just found your channel glad i did this was a very interesting story

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you thought so, thanks for watching & welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@user-iw8in5lv1g]

Fascinating! Thanks

[@jasondevon481]

Being from Torquay, I know about this and you told the story well from what I can remember. The Cary Arms is now a restaurant and I used to live right near it, my car almost breaking down as I drove down to it once (it's a steep road). Thanks for another good video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jason 👍🏻

[@paulvickers3800]

I went to the manor house in Torquay run for blind and partially sighted people. Loved it there and had some great times, think there was a pub called Stumble inn..

[@tonyaquilina7709]

Very good. I too heard this story through the l.p from fairport convention Is there a memorial of this in Devon. Great story well done.

[@bland_lover]

I too remember the album Babbacombe Lee by Fairport Convention. I don’t remember when it first came out, but I guess I was about 14 or 15 at the time. The vinyl album had a printed insert that told pretty much the full story. I will have to dig it out and have another listen. Thank you for reminding us of this incredible tale.

[@smythharris2635]

I have it in its complete form sticker and all, great album, lovely packaging. I bought it the week it came out.

[@JagerLange]

+1 for getting Fairport Convention in. I read about this when I was about nine in a book called Strange But True (no relation to the Michael Aspel show that scared the hell out of me on Friday nights...) - I still have my copy, and it didn't mention FC but it did point out that the band The Men They Couldn't Hang were a reference to the Lee case. EDIT: There must also be a sense of either added fear or indignation (depending on how one responds I guess) when someone's stamping on the trapdoor trying to get it to open, as then someone's personally trying to kill you in that moment rather than the "indirect" method of the trapdoor etc.

[@WaterShowsProd]

They were another good band. I had their first album, not sure if they made any others. Funny enough they reminded me of Fairport Convention, and I often think of the two in conjunction, but at the time I didn't make the naming connection.

[@paulredinger5830]

Hey Kevin how you doing today brother. Happy New Year Kevin! Hope 2023 is your year brother.

[@thehistorysquad]

Same to you brother! Thanks.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

A great story and video, I shuddered when the figure dropped through

[@deathdeathington]

That was a great story. Brilliant.

[@HeleneLouise]

Wow. Great story. Thanks

[@noteworthygirl1432]

I love listening to your stories. I love history anyway, but really enjoy these strange historical stories. Thank you for being there!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening

[@bridgetrodriguez4643]

Love your channel ur a great storyteller 💖🍿 Really appreciate the costumes and props u use. You put a lot of hard work and love in ur videos and it shows

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much!

[@russbarker2727]

In your own words Sir, "A heck of a story". And you Sir are an heck of a storyteller!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Russ, I appreciate that!

[@buskingkarma2503]

Thanks,I really enjoyed that! It's the kinda story,that would make a good movie 🎥👍

[@joekay6552]

This reminds me of the Alcoa Theater series “One Step Beyond” : The Devil’s Laughter Season 1, Episode 11 back in March 31, 1959. If I recall the ending was much more dramatic than the reality.

[@owenshale8719]

I am looking forward to watching the next video you are going to come out with and your KZbin channel is amazing and enjoy your stories keep up the amazing videos

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah, I think you'll like the next one Owens 👍🏻

[@owenshale8719]

I will 😊 you have a wonderful day

[@owenshale8719]

What you opinion about the movie Zulu

[@nicholisredfern7463]

I enjoyed it and the models are looking great!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like it, it was a devil to set 👍🏻

[@saulreyes2976]

Heard this as a young lad never could find the story. Thanks 👍

[@jimthorne304]

I remember reading about this decades ago, possibly while I was still at school. The later theory was that where the padre stood in front of Lee the boards that he stood on were warped, but straightened out under the padre's weight, jamming the doors to the drop.

[@_stoatchaser]

A most splendid leather jerkin and as always epic storytelling

[@bostonrailfan2427]

it’s a sharp looking outfit!

[@annemadison7258]

Brilliant video. I have heard of James Lee and also how the trial changed English Law.

[@davidwood351]

Kevin, I just saw your cameo in a video about Robin Hood hosted by Tony Robinson. Huzzah!

[@thehistorysquad]

Did you notice my Brummie accent? I did

[@davidwood351]

@@thehistorysquad Oh, I’m from California, I wouldn’t know a Brummie accent if it fell on me. I do enjoy the various English accents when I watch the Time Team episodes. (Phil Harding)

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Great story. Thanks

[@outfoxthefox]

I first heard of John Lee during an Esperanto lesson when the word li came, the teacher always said "The man they couldn't hang'. None of us had any idea what he was talking about, but 70 years later I can remember the lesson.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@StrategicGamesEtc]

Oni trovas esperantistojn ĉe la plej variaj lokoj. Mi ne certas ĉu mi aŭdis ĉi tiun rakonton antaŭ de hodiaŭ.

[@outfoxthefox]

@@StrategicGamesEtc I never continued with Esperanto, the city wanted to be progressive, and we even had a pub called The Green Star (La Verdi Stello) but it all went away. Such a shame.

[@StrategicGamesEtc]

@@outfoxthefox it's a fun language. Doesn't take too long to get to the point where you can use eo-eo dictionaries and grammar resources.

[@Mistersandyrobertson]

I knew the story as I'm a fan of my acquaintance the late Colin Wilson's work on criminal history and a true crime buff, but that was an entertaining presentation. You have a great voice and persona for this stuff.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Sandy 👍🏻

[@Mistersandyrobertson]

@@thehistorysquad Stewart Evans biography of Berry the hangman in this case, Executioner, is a superb read - but I'm sure you know that already!

[@sunburstfender]

Absolutely fascinating,

[@60SecondHistories]

A true story brilliantly told 👍🏻

[@michaelward5852]

Thank you

[@davidatrakchi2707]

The the story is told is even better than the story itself!

[@winifredthompson465]

My father told me this story, over 70 years ago. Winifred Thompson, Northern Ireland.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, how lovely 👍🏻

[@MichaelOakman-bi3tm]

Very intresting and told in a clear way

[@marcoengelbracht4141]

Many thanks for telling the story, did never hear about that before. Love the model 😁

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Marco 👍🏻

[@leevespa4564]

Very enjoyable👍🏻

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for the visit

[@dank2265]

Wow! That was so cool . What a story .

[@maudclaud6132]

Fairport brought me here! Thank you 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@geoffreycarson2311]

Great Storytelling g

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening