Pierrepoint

Pierrepoint refers to the surname of three generations of British hangmen. The most famous of these was Albert Pierrepoint, who served as the last official hangman in the United Kingdom from 1939 to 1956. His father, Henry Pierrepoint, was also a hangman, as was his uncle, Thomas Pierrepoint.

Henry Pierrepoint began his career as an executioner in 1901 and carried out 57 executions. He was known for his meticulous approach and was considered a professional in his field. His son, Albert, took over the role following in his father's footsteps. Albert Pierrepoint is estimated to have carried out over 400 executions during his tenure, including those of several notable criminals and war criminals. His methods were often described as efficient and humane, aiming to minimize suffering for the condemned.

Thomas Pierrepoint, Albert's uncle, also served as a hangman, beginning his career in 1906. He carried out over 100 executions and was known for his calm demeanor. The Pierrepoint family's association with capital punishment spanned several decades, making them a significant, albeit grim, part of British judicial history. The practice of capital punishment was abolished in the UK in 1965, bringing an end to the era of official hangmen like the Pierrepoints.