Billington: Victorian Executioner

A complete account of James Billington and his three sons, illuminating the history of a family whose business was death. James Billington, formerly a pub entertainer and then a barber, had been single-minded in his determination to secure the post of executioner for London and the Home Counties. But did he really feel he was primarily a benefit to society and justice, or were his reasons for wanting the position more personal? Three of his sons, Thomas, William and John, followed in his footsteps and together the family were responsible for 235 executions in Great Britain between 1884 and 1905. Billington: Victorian Executioner provides a complete account of the stories behind James Billington’s 151 executions, as well as introducing the reader to the real man behind the rope. This fascinating biography is an exciting addition to any true crime bookshelf. AUTHOR: Alison Bruce is the author of nine crime novels and two non-fiction titles. Her first novel, Cambridge Blue (2008), was described by Publishers Weekly as an ‘assured debut’, and her work has attracted both critical acclaim and a loyal readership. In 2013 and 2016 Alison was short-listed for the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger in the Library Award.