Discover the grim and fascinating history of beheading and executioners during the Middle Ages in our latest video. Delve into the macabre world where justice and punishment were meted out with brutal efficiency. From the early 12th century to the late 15th century, public executions were a stark reminder of the law's reach and the severe consequences of crime and treason.

Our journey begins in 12th century England, where the infamous executioner, Richard Brandon, wielded the axe with deadly precision. Known for his role in the execution of King Charles I in 1649, Brandon's name became synonymous with the cold finality of death. But the roots of his profession stretch back to medieval times when executioners were both feared and respected figures.

Explore the grim spectacle of executions at the Tower of London, a notorious site where many high-profile beheadings occurred. The year 1536 marked a significant moment with the execution of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, who was accused of treason, adultery, and incest. Her beheading was a turning point in English history, highlighting the lethal power struggles within the Tudor court.

Travel across Europe to France, where the guillotine, although more associated with the French Revolution, had its conceptual origins in earlier medieval beheading devices. The Middle Ages saw various methods of execution, but beheading remained a constant for those of noble birth. The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587, though later than our primary focus, draws a direct line to the medieval practices that shaped such events.

Discover the curious role of executioners in medieval society. Often ostracized, they lived on the fringes, yet they were essential to the judicial system. Their craft was passed down through generations, with skills honed to ensure swift and "humane" deaths. In some regions, executioners were required to perform a certain number of executions annually or face penalties themselves.

Uncover lesser-known tales, such as the beheading of Simon de Montfort in 1265 after the Battle of Evesham. His death marked the end of the Second Barons' War and had a profound impact on English political development. Similarly, the execution of William Wallace in 1305 showcased the brutal reality of medieval justice for those who dared to challenge the crown.

00:00 Beheading Through the Ages
05:56 The Tragic Fates of History's Beheaded Nobles
11:51 Instruments of Death in the Medieval Era
18:41 The Grim Reality of Medieval Justice
26:03 Botched Beheadings in Medieval Europe
33:31 Beheadings as Public Spectacle in the Medieval World
42:51 The Rise and Fall of Beheading in Western Society

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