Executions

Public executions were a major part of Londoners’ lives for centuries.

From Smithfield to Southwark, from Banqueting House to Newgate Prison, executions became embedded in London’s landscape from the 12th century right through to the 19th. Even today, hints of this uncomfortable past can still be seen across the capital.

From October, the Museum of London Docklands is bringing the rarely told and often tragic human stories behind these events to a new exhibition. Executions will showcase a range of fascinating objects, paintings and projections, including the vest said to have been worn by King Charles I when he was executed, a recreation of the Tyburn gallows with an immersive projection, last letters of the condemned, and much more. Many of the items going on display have rarely been seen in public.

This is your chance to discover how, over nearly 700 years, public executions came to shape the city we know today.

Exclusive offer: Pre-order the Executions official exhibition book with your tickets and save 20% on the book price.

Visitors are advised that there are human remains on display in this exhibition, and content which may not be suitable for younger children. The recommended age is 12+. Children under the age of 12 are welcome in the exhibition at the discretion of their parents/carers.

Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

1/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

Vest said to have been worn by Charles I at his execution.

2/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

Earl of Derwentwater's bedsheet from the Tower of London, embroidered with a message made of human hair from Anna Maria Radcliffe in tribute to her executed husband.

3/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

An engraving by William Hogarth, depicting the execution of apprentice weaver Tom Idle at the notorious Tyburn 'triple tree' gallows.

4/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

The life of Jack Sheppard, notorious for his prison breaks and ultimately executed at Tyburn, inspired many popular ballads, engravings and plays.

5/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

An axe was that made specifically but never used for the execution of the five ringleaders of the Cato Street conspiracy who, in February 1820, plotted to kill the Prime Minister and members of the government.

6/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

In W. Thomson's painting of the upper condemned cell at Newgate Prison, prisoner Henry Fauntleroy is shown eighth from the left in dark clothes and head bowed with the executioner tying his hands.

7/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

Newgate prison, Debtors’ door, the third and final door the condemned passed through on their way to the scaffold outside the prison.

8/8 Rarely seen items tell the story of London's public executions

An enamelled miniature portrait of King Charles I to commemorate his death by execution in 1649.