James Botting

Who is James Botting?

Jemmy Botting was the hangman at Newgate Prison in London, England from 1817-1819 during which tenure he claimed to have hanged a total of 175 persons. He was succeeded by John Foxton who had previously been his assistant from 1818.

He died in Hove on 1 October 1837 after falling out of his wheelchair in the street. He was so hated that no-one would come to his assistance.

His notable executions included the fraudster Henry Fauntleroy in 1824 and the five leaders of the Cato Street conspiracy in 1820. The latter execution was followed by the last legal public decapitation.