B(head)ing with an axe was the most common form of e⚒️ecution for the nobility.

Held at the Tower of London, this block was used for the beheading of Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, 9 April 1747. 56.7 kg. Axe from 16th century, 3.2 kg.

an axe resting on a block inside a display case

Following the act, the e⚒️ecutioner held the head up to show it to the crowd and to…..it’s own body !!

Tower of London - Executioner's Ax and Block - CannibalRabbit.com
Consciousness remains for at least eight seconds after decapitation until the lack of oxygen occurs and then merciful death.

When the head had witnessed his own body, it was then turned to face the crowd.

May be an image of 1 person and text
On May 19th it is reported that when the swordsman turned Anne’s head to show it off, her lips and eyes were moving, exactly like the seconds before the execution, when she said her prayer.

Also, a contemporary account tells us that Mary’s Queen of Scots lips stirred up and down a quarter of an hour. Meanwhile her lap dog was pulled out from her skirts and insisted upon lying between the severed head and Mary’s shoulders.

Oak block used in the last public beheading on Tower Hill. OC [4080x3072] :  r/ArtefactPorn

Oak block used in the last public beheading on Tower Hill. OC

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