Edward Dun (died 11 September 1663), also referred to as Squire Dun, was an English
executioner
An executioner, also known as a hangman or headsman, is an official who executes a sentence of capital punishment on a legally condemned person.
Scope and job
The executioner was usually presented with a warrant authorising or order ...
who served as London's 'common hangman' from 1649 to 1663. He assumed the post shortly following the death in June 1649 of
Richard Brandon
Richard Brandon (died 20 June 1649) was the common executioner of London from 1639 to 1649, who inherited his role from his father Gregory Brandon and was sometimes known as Young Gregory. Richard Brandon is often named as the executioner of ...
, the headsman believed to have executed
Charles I Charles I may refer to:
Kings and emperors
* Charlemagne (742–814), numbered Charles I in the lists of Holy Roman Emperors and French kings
* Charles I of Anjou (1226–1285), also king of Albania, Jerusalem, Naples and Sicily
* Charles I of ...
.
It is possible that he performed the
posthumous execution
__NOTOC__
Posthumous execution is the ritual or ceremonial mutilation of an already dead body as a punishment. It is typically performed to show that even in death, one cannot escape justice.
Dissection as a punishment in England
Some Christians ...
s of
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell (25 April 15993 September 1658) was an English politician and military officer who is widely regarded as one of the most important statesmen in English history. He came to prominence during the 1639 to 1651 Wars of the Three K ...
,
Henry Ireton and
John Bradshaw in 1661,
his role in which is described i
''The last farewel of three bould traytors''by Abraham Miles. He died on 11 September 1663.
He was succeeded as 'common hangman' by the better-known
Jack Ketch
John Ketch (died November 1686), generally known as Jack Ketch, was an infamous English executioner employed by King Charles II. He became famous through the way he performed his duties during the tumults of the 1680s, when he was often mentio ...
, who had been his apprentice.
[ Mannix, Daniel P. (1986). ''The History of Torture''. Dorset Press. p. 103.]
References
External links
*
Groanes from Newgate; OR, AN ELEGY UPON Edvvard Dun Esq: The Cities Common Hangman, who Dyed Naturally in his bed, the 11th. of September, 1663' by 'a Person of quality', 1663.
*
''The last farewel of three bould traytors''' by Abraham Miles, 1661.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dun, Edward
English executioners
1663 deaths
17th-century English people
Year of birth unknown