Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
John Ellis was born in Balderstone, Rochdale, in 1874. After working in mills, he followed into his father's profession... a barber. However, he didn't like this job either and instead applied for a very unique role....an executioner!
For many years, Ellis was the chief hangman and executioner for the prison service between 1901 to 1924, hanging some notorious criminal names of the Edwardian era such as Dr Crippen and The Brides in the Bath serial killer. However, surrounded by death for so many years took its toll.
Ellis fell into deep depression and eventually took his own life, passing at 57. His story highlights the importance of mental health discussions and the deep psychological toll the role of an executioner caused.
John Ellis was born in Balderstone, Rochdale, in 1874. After working in mills, he followed into his father's profession... a barber. However, he didn't like this job either and instead applied for a very unique role....an executioner!
For many years, Ellis was the chief hangman and executioner for the prison service between 1901 to 1924, hanging some notorious criminal names of the Edwardian era such as Dr Crippen and The Brides in the Bath serial killer. However, surrounded by death for so many years took its toll.
Ellis fell into deep depression and eventually took his own life, passing at 57. His story highlights the importance of mental health discussions and the deep psychological toll the role of an executioner caused.
