31/07/2026
The next Zoom meeting is on Thursday 27th August at 7.30pm (repeat Wednesday 2nd September at 9.00am) when Karen Adams will present 'Trials and Executions'.
Though finally abolished in 1969, capital punishment had long been the statutory judicial sentence for a wide range of crimes stretching back several hundred years. In her presentation, Karen will initially feature York and explore where the prisons and gallows once stood.
Executions in York were a historically frequent event, with public hangings occurring from 1379 through to 1868. Karen will expand in more detail on some of the criminals who were held in York’s prisons for trial until their ex*****on. Some of you will have heard of, such as Dick Turpin, although others, who were perhaps well known at the time their fame having not lasted through history quite so well, such as Elizabeth and Helen Drysdale.
The presentation will also include a number of cases from Halifax and the surrounding area – perhaps they might include some family connections?
For further information about the CFHS monthly meetings visit:https://www.cfhsweb.com/documents/Syllabus.pdf
