Headman's Block

By Crusader1307

Also referred to as “The Block” or later the more commonly used “Chopping Block”, a Headman's Block was a specially cut and grooved piece of wood used to execute a criminal by decapitation. They were uncommon early on in Executions when a simple Sword was used. Later, when Axes became the more “accepted” form of dispatching a Victim (15th Century), so too did the stylized Block. Oak was preferred, due mostly to it's long life and ease in moving. Blocks were typically stored and not placed on permanent display. They were only used shortly before the actual sentence was carried out. The Blocks were typically 3-feet in height, with a flattened top roughly 1.5 to 2-feet in diameter. A special groove was hollowed on the top which extended down the side slightly. This allowed The Executioner the ability to cleave a clean cut through the Neck (downward) – clearing the body and NOT hitting the top of The Block. The groove also allowed for any spillage of blood to be directed downward (even with the massive onrush of arterial blood) – which would spray out. The natural angle of the body of the Victim in simple terms – carried blood flow downwards with the groove onto the floor.

Axes were also stylized. They were not “Battle Axes” but specially made. They were similar to The Dane Axe, in that they featured a tapered head which a greater exposed cutting edge. A skilled and experienced Headsman (as the Occupation became known as), always kept his Blade very sharp. This was seen as somewhat “humane” in deployment. However in some cases, The Headman purposely used a dulled blade to increase the very short period of “suffering”.