English executioner. As the Common Hangman of London in 1649, he is believed by many to be the anonymous person who beheaded King Charles I. Mystery surrounds the truth: Brandon initially refused the task, but a 'confession' was published and circulated after his death in which he admitted responsibility. This may have been a ruse to protect the identity of the real executioner. Brandon's death, only five months after the death of the King, was seen by some contemporaries as divine retribution.
English executioner. As the Common Hangman of London in 1649, he is believed by many to be the anonymous person who beheaded King Charles I. Mystery surrounds the truth: Brandon initially refused the task, but a 'confession' was published and circulated after his death in which he admitted responsibility. This may have been a ruse to protect the identity of the real executioner. Brandon's death, only five months after the death of the King, was seen by some contemporaries as divine retribution.
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