Who Is Albert Pierrepoint? Age, Biography and Wiki
Albert Pierrepoint was born on March 30, 1905, and he passed away in 1992. He is best known as one of the most notable executioners in British history, having executed over 400 individuals during his career, including prominent war criminals. Pierrepoint's life was marked by his complex relationship with his profession, which he made a career out of before eventually becoming a vocal advocate against capital punishment. Though many details about Pierrepoint are encapsulated in history, his story continues to attract interest and inspire discussions on ethics and justice.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 30, 1905 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Clayton, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 10 July, 1992 |
| Died Place | Southport, Merseyside, England |
Popularity
Albert Pierrepoint's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements pertaining to Albert Pierrepoint's height and weight during his lifetime are not widely documented, he was reported to have a robust physique, common among those who worked in physically demanding roles during his era. The historical context of his life provides insight into the physicality required for his profession.
In July 1940 Pierrepoint was the assistant at the execution of Udham Singh, an Indian revolutionary who had been convicted of shooting the colonial administrator Sir Michael O'Dwyer.
The day before the execution, Stanley Cross, the newly promoted lead executioner, became confused with his calculations of the drop length, and Pierrepoint stepped in to advise on the correct measurements; Pierrepoint was added to the list of head executioners soon after.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
There is limited information regarding Albert Pierrepoint's personal life, particularly his relationships. Historical records indicate that he was married to a woman named Marie, but their relationship was complicated by the nature of his work. Despite the external pressures of his career, Pierrepoint maintained a committed relationship with his wife, who was often supportive of him. Few details from his life hint at romantic relationships beyond this, and the stigma associated with his profession may have affected his social interactions.
Albert Pierrepoint (30 March 1905 – 10 July 1992) was an English hangman who executed between 435 and 600 people in a 25-year career that ended in 1956. His father Henry and uncle Thomas were official hangmen before him.
Net Worth and Salary
Although exact figures regarding Albert Pierrepoint’s net worth during his lifetime are not available, it is known that he earned a salary as a hangman, which was considered competitive for the time. Information on his net worth today remains conjectural, as most historical executioners were not known for accruing significant wealth. Pierrepoint's legacy is more often assessed through the impact of his actions rather than financial gain.
Career, Business and Investments
Pierrepoint’s career began in the 1930s, and he became England's most notorious executioner through his work during and after World War II. His methods and efficiency earned him respect among officials, but his experiences led him to speak against the death penalty later in life. Beyond executions, he also ran a pub called "The Helpston" after retiring from public execution, which became a source of personal income and a refuge for many who sought to learn about his experiences. Pierrepoint's contributions to discussions on capital punishment and his decision to publicly speak against it transformed his image from executioner to advocate.
In 1956 Pierrepoint was involved in a dispute with a sheriff over payment, leading to his retirement from hanging. He ran a pub in Lancashire from the mid-1940s until the 1960s. He wrote his memoirs in 1974 in which he concluded that capital punishment was not a deterrent, although he may have changed his position subsequently.
He approached his task with gravitas and said that the execution was "sacred to me". His life has been included in several works of fiction, such as the 2005 film Pierrepoint, in which he was portrayed by Timothy Spall.
Social Network
Although Albert Pierrepoint was not part of the highly connected social media landscape of today, he did engage in discussions with various social reformers and intellectuals during his latter years. In 2025, his legacy continues to be discussed across various online forums, social networking platforms, and even in historical retrospectives. His biography is frequently cited in literature and discussions about justice and morality.
During his tenure he hanged 200 people who had been convicted of war crimes in Germany and Austria, as well as several high-profile murderers—including Gordon Cummins (the Blackout Ripper), John Haigh (the Acid Bath Murderer) and John Christie (the Rillington Place Strangler).
He undertook several contentious executions, including Timothy Evans, Derek Bentley and Ruth Ellis and executions for high treason—William Joyce (also known as Lord Haw-Haw) and John Amery—and treachery, with the hanging of Theodore Schurch.
Education
Pierrepoint had a basic education typical for the working class of the time, which focused primarily on practical skills. His career did not stem from formal schooling but was shaped by real-world experiences as he trained as an executioner. His understanding of criminal justice and the ethics surrounding it developed through his professional engagements rather than through formal educational institutions.
