Once upon a time, public executions were a form of entertainment. The executioners were the stars, especially since they could return again, whereas the condemned could not.
Brandon is one of seven executioners featured at ty.rannosaur.us Link
[Richard] Brandon was one of the most famous Common Hangmen of London and became the yardstick against which other English executioners (even Albert Pierrepoint) were measured. He was extremely proud of his ability to sever a head with a single blow, something that was very popular with the crowds - and appreciated by people getting executed - since it generally took a few chops for the average executioner to get through. He refined this skill after years of practice on cats and dogs.
Brandon is one of seven executioners featured at ty.rannosaur.us Link
That's one sharp piece of rope.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Ketch
I was bout to say the exact same thing