The Role of Executioners in Medieval Times: More Likely to Serve Than to Satisfy Machiavellian Cruelty

Executioners in medieval times were a crucial part of the justice system, albeit an often despised and feared one. The documentary about the Tower of London provided a glimpse into their duties and the motivations behind their profession. However, is the more likely scenario for a medieval executioner to be motivated by a desire to kill people or by their inability to change the role due to societal constraints?

Understanding the Position of Executioners

Until the 15th century, execution was a public spectacle. Families of the condemned often bribed the executioner to ensure a swift and dignified execution, highlighting the financial aspect of the role. This illustrates the unwillingness of most people to accept such a position, often due to the social stigma attached to it.

A classic example from history is King Henry VIII's hiring of a French executioner, , for the head-chopping of his queen, . While some may argue that this demonstrates a desire for cruel and unusual punishment, the reality is that executioners were more likely to be serving a fixed role due to societal structures and family expectations rather than a personal appetite for violence.

Social Stigma and the Untouchable Caste

Medieval executioners were part of a caste with inherent social stigmas. Being an executioner taints not just you but your entire family, affecting spiritual, social, and economic standing for generations. This formidable reputation often led to the executioner not being a freely chosen profession, but a family legacy or a last resort job.

For a deep dive into the impact of being an executioner on a family, The Faithful Executioner by Joel Harrington is highly recommended. This book unravels the intricacies of the executioner's role, detailing a life of duty and occasional heroism.

Historical Accounts and Personal Perspectives

A telling account comes from Geoffrey Abbott's Rack Rope and Red-Hot Pincers: A History of Torture and Its Instruments. The author relied on memoirs of a medieval executioner in what is now Germany. This executioner, through family tradition, did not view his role as merely a means to an end. He was genuinely caring and instrumental in changing the laws to end some of the more barbaric punishments.

However, the lack of competition and the moral quagmire of the role could lead to some individuals becoming more inclined towards their duty due to peer pressure, lack of alternative, or societal norms. There were instances where executioners resorted to personal vendettas, such as the case of an executioner who was executed by his pupil after a drunken altercation turned deadly.

Conclusion

While the line between a brutal killer and a mere servant of the law can be blurred, the most probable scenario for a medieval executioner is that they served due to societal constraints more than out of a desire to indulge in cruel acts. The role of executioner was a deeply psychologically challenging one, often inherited as a family legacy or a necessary evil in dire circumstances.