The outcry over the execution of Ruth Ellis was a major factor in the abolition of the death penalty in the U.K. Eliis is said to have remained calm right up to the moment the trapdoor opened. When hangman Albert Pierrepoint entered her cell, she took off a pair of reading glasses she had been using and placed them on the table in front of her with the comment,"I won't be needing them anymore." Pierrepoint said she gave him a broad smile as he placed the hood over her head, but didn't speak any last words.
Create an account or sign in to comment