A visit to Sid Dernley, an afternoon spent showing us the ropes! His book 'The Hangmans Tale' is an excellent read.
ISBN 0-7090-3836-4
An interesting note:
Calculations were always made to determine the 'drop' required and according to Sid I would have automatically received a 'reprieve' owing to the fact that anyone over a certain weight the drop would have caused decapitation. By virtue of this, ever in fear of hanging, I have kept up with good hearty meals.
Sid never had bad dreams and believed in what he did. My only promise was that I would never take anyone to see him who was anti-hanging. Amongst his treasured possessions were a spyhole taken from a condemned cell, a noose and a model gallows.
He was a gentleman! Died 1 November 1994
