Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 14 September 1883

Public Executioner Applications

Applications for the post of public executioner are coming in thick and fast. Mexboro’ is credited with three applicants for the honourable situation, who are plainly of opinion that the “path of glory leads but to the grave.”

One eager aspirant for the shoes of the deceased Marwood, who hails from Mexboro’, seems fully capable of murdering the “Queen’s English” judging from the address on an envelope which was posted in a town a short distance off by a tradesman. The applicant may have a genius for hanging unlucky criminals by the neck, but he requires yet a little schooling. His application was addressed to the “Home Sectuary.”

It is stated also that Swinton will probably have the honour of being the residence of the new hangman. A gentleman residing in Cressland Street, named Gillott, has made application for the vacancy. His wife contends that he was second on the list when Marwood was selected, and therefore there is every probability of another celebrity being selected from our midst. If so, I presume that “Cross-tree” Street would be a more suitable term to apply to the block of buildings in which our future hangman is to reside, and I would suggest a neat card to be placed in the successful applicant’s window, bearing the words:—“Orders executed with despatch.”

Denaby is represented in the list of applicants, as a man named Stevenson has expressed the pleasure it would afford him to obtain the coveted post. He bears the euphonious nickname of “Sugar” at present, a fitting title for such a sweet profession.