In 1863, William Ockold faced execution in Worcester, marking the end of public hangings in the city after a grim history of such events.
Worcester: It was a significant moment in history when William Ockold was executed. This marked the last public hanging in the city, a practice that had drawn large crowds for years.
Ockold, a 69 or 70-year-old man, was known in his neighborhood for his rough lifestyle. He had a long history of drinking and violence, which ultimately led to the tragic death of his wife.
The couple was infamous for their wild nights out, often returning home worse for wear. Ockold claimed he didn’t remember much about the incident, only admitting to giving his wife “a punch or two.”
Unfortunately for him, the evidence was damning. A bloodied mop handle sealed his fate, and despite his lawyer’s pleas for mercy, the court was unforgiving.
The execution was carried out by William Calcraft, a well-known hangman of the time. He had executed hundreds of criminals, and while he usually drew huge crowds, Ockold’s hanging didn’t attract the same attention.
The population of Worcester at the time was much smaller than the crowds Calcraft was used to. Still, it was a grim spectacle that marked the end of an era.
Interestingly, January has seen some happier events in Worcester’s history. For instance, in 1959, the local football team beat Liverpool in a thrilling FA Cup match, which had the crowd roaring with excitement.
There are also notable figures from Worcester, like Ellen Price, a prolific novelist born in 1814, and Christopher Hebb, the first democratically-elected mayor in 1836.
So, while Ockold’s execution was a dark chapter, Worcester has plenty of brighter moments to remember over the years.
