Particulars of Executions Book

VPRS 14526/P1 Particulars of Execution Book, PROV

VPRS 145261894 - 1967

Open, PORV North Melbourne

Public Record Office Victoria (PROV)

https://prov.vic.gov.au/

Function / Content

The book was used to record details of executions by hanging in Victoria between 1894 - 1967. A confidential circular is attached to the inside of the front cover dated 24/03/1904, Executions - Table of Drops. This contains the formula for a successful execution by hanging. Particulars of the execution include: name and age of person, height, weight, length of drop and remarks as to the result. The first entry is the hanging of Frances Knorr on 15/01/1894 with Ronald Ryan's hanging on 3/02/1967 the last entry, and the last person to be executed in Victoria. Reference is made to the autopsy which is held after an execution. Some pages also include photos or drawings of cervical vertebrae.

How to use the records

Consult the Records Description List for information required about convicted criminals executed by hanging in Victoria.

Warning: this series contains confronting and graphic content.

The entries are arranged chronologically. There are some loose documents on standard forms that refer to three of the hangings.

Particulars of Execution Book – the hanging of Ronald Ryan

For more information contact PROV: Copyright for researchers