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3:00 pm
May 7, 2010
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Does anyone know when beheading became the means of exection in England? I know Romans beheaded people (or crucified them sometimes – both pretty gruesome really) and I believe cutting off the heads of the enemy was the ‘norm’ for some Germanic tribes way way back but I was trying to find out when beheading became the preferred (???) means of getting rid of someone in our history.
Why was is the favoured means? Later we moved over to hanging so why the change? Just really interested in any information anyone has on the subject. Was beheading only used when something along the lines of treason was involved or could Joe Bloggs who killed Jimmy Bloggs be beheaded?
Any info gratefully received. 
Let us show them that they are hares and foxes trying to rule over dogs and wolves - Boudica addressing the tribes Circa AD60
3:26 pm
January 3, 2012
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I think beheading was used Maggie (Great to see you back by the way) for the nobility because it was the closest and as daft as it sounds as to be killed in battle.
It’s possible it was used by the Nordic tribes, when they conqurored Britain it was quick and simple and saved a lot of flapping about. Gengis Khan and the ancient Egyptians used it as well.
Semper Fidelis, quod sum quod
5:26 pm
January 31, 2013
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Here are some websites to look at. Hope this helps! 
http://www.capitalpunishmentuk…..ehead.html
At times I almost dream, I too have spent a life the sages' way,
And tread once more familiar paths. Perchance I perished in an arrogant self-reliance
Ages ago; and in that act, a prayer For one more chance went up so earnest, so
Instinct with better light let in by death, That life was blotted out—not so completely
But scattered wrecks enough of it remain Dim memories as now, when once more seems The goal in sight again. -- Robert Browning, Paracelsus
