When we moved to our new home three years ago we wanted to find a local Public House to have a meal. We found the Black Lane Ends on trip advisor which had just changed its name from The Hare and hounds.

When I looked online for hostelries in our area I noticed mention of a murder at the pub, I decided to do some research to find out about the story.

In 1862 Betty Moore left her husband Walker and moved into the pub to work for her cousin. After six weeks Walker went to the pub to plead with her to return home when she didn’t he slit her throat and she bled to death yards from where I ate a meal.

Walker was sentenced to death and his executioner was to be one William Calcraft who used the “Short Drop” method of execution. This meant minutes of agony strangling to death.

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On August 30^th 1863 the sentence was carried out but the rope snapped so Moore was returned to his cell. He requested a visit to the toilet where he drowned himself in the cistern.

So robbing the public of the spectacle of a public hanging, which Calcraft would prolong to give a better spectacle. Even riding the backs of the dying to finish them off.

Charles Dickens was instrumental in having public hangings abolished on the strength of these performances.

My research went from internet where I found out the story, to Colne Library where I read newspaper accounts. Then Calcraft`s journal led me to Charles Dickens who attended several of his executions. These were confirmed at the British Library.

I think a photo project of the details still in the landscape would support the story well. They would fit still today as our government talks of stronger sentences for those found guilty of violent crimes.

Work Cited

advisor, Trip. 2013. (accessed 2015).

Dickens, Charles. Barnaby Rudge. London: Museum of Published Literature, 1859..

Library, British. “Journal of William Calvert.” 1875

Library, Colne. “Newspaper Archive.” Colne Herald. Colne, August 13, 1863

Wendyf. OneGuyfromBarlick. August 11, 2012. https://www.oneguyfrombarlick.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=8020 (accessed April 2nd, 2016).