The Tower of London still possesses the axe and “heading block” used for executions right up to the mid-18th century. There’s also a mask that was worn by the executioner. The block is chipped and dented as a result of some considerable use.
On this block, the heads of three Scottish rebels – Lords Lovat, Kilmarnock and Balmerino – were severed in 1746. It’s not true, however, that the head of Anne Boleyn was taken off using it in the 16th century. She was decapitated by a French swordsman in a departure from the usual method. A nice clean cut!
The axe and block first turned up in the Tower of London inventory in 1679, nearly 150 years after Anne Boleyn had her date with the executioner. So, well after the fact. Some have doubted that the block in the Tower today was used for the Scottish rebels because it was the custom after such high-profile executions to burn the block in case it became a relic for supporters of the deceased.
The number of people beheaded at the Tower were relatively small compared to the number hanged at Tyburn. Being beheaded was a privilege for the wealthy – as death came swiftly. Whereas dangling at the end of a rope for the mob’s amusement could take up to 20 minutes of slow strangulation. The executions normally took place, with some notable exceptions, on Tower Green – where a monument can be found today. It’s located outside the Tower in a green patch called Trinity Square Gardens. You could easily miss it.
