What Did the Last Woman Hanged Demand for the Truth in Her Final Letter?

The poignant letter by Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in Great Britain, is set to shed light on the tragic circumstances surrounding her execution for the murder of her lover, David Blakely, in 1955. Written just before her death, the letter hints at undisclosed truths regarding her relationship and the events leading up to the crime, providing a powerful insight into her life and the societal issues surrounding capital punishment in the UK.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ruth Ellis' letter, penned on 12 July 1955, just a day before her execution, will be auctioned next week, capturing renewed public interest in her story. This letter, addressed to Labour MP George Rogers, indicates her willingness to reveal critical details about her situation, particularly involving Desmond Cussen, the man who allegedly provided her with the gun used in the fatal shooting. The auction is expected to attract significant attention, with estimates suggesting a sale price between £1,500 and £2,000, reflecting the ongoing fascination with Ellis' life and the broader implications of her case on capital punishment. The letter’s contents could have significant implications for how we view Ellis’ actions and the societal context of the time.

Key takeaways

Ruth Ellis wrote a letter the day before her execution, hinting at undisclosed truths about her murder case.
The letter will be auctioned next week, with an estimated value of £1,500 to £2,000.
Ellis’ execution in 1955 sparked public debate on capital punishment in the UK.

Timeline: how we got here

The events leading to Ellis' execution unfolded as follows:

13 July 1955: Ruth Ellis is hanged at Holloway Prison, London.
12 July 1955: Ellis writes a letter to MP George Rogers expressing gratitude and hinting at revealing the truth.
10 April 1955: Ellis is convicted of the murder of David Blakely.
1950s: Ellis' tumultuous relationship with Blakely includes instances of physical abuse and a traumatic abortion.
1956: The UK begins to reconsider the legitimacy of capital punishment, leading to legal reforms two years after her execution.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The auction of Ellis' letter is generating renewed interest in her story, particularly the implications of her claim regarding Desmond Cussen's involvement in providing the weapon used in the murder. The letter's sale could potentially reveal insights into Ellis' state of mind and the circumstances leading to her actions, as well as the legal context of her trial.

What was already established

It is well-documented that Ruth Ellis was convicted of murdering David Blakely after a troubled relationship marred by infidelity and abuse. Her execution marked a significant moment in the history of capital punishment in the UK, leading to broader discussions about the morality and legality of such sentences. The case has remained a focal point in debates about justice and women's rights.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The auction of this letter could reignite discussions about capital punishment and its historical implications for society. As public interest grows, there may be a resurgence of calls for legal reforms concerning posthumous pardons and the treatment of women in the justice system.

Businesses and jobs

The auction itself represents a unique intersection of history and commerce, with auction houses like Forum Auctions benefiting from the heightened interest in historical artefacts. This may encourage similar businesses to explore other significant historical items related to capital punishment and women's rights.

Policy and regulation

Ellis' case has had lasting implications in the realm of legal reforms in the UK. Following her execution, the introduction of diminished responsibility as a legal defence allowed for greater consideration of mitigating circumstances in cases involving crimes of passion and domestic abuse. This evolving dialogue continues to influence contemporary discussions around justice reform.

Numbers that matter

1: Ruth Ellis is the last woman executed in Great Britain.
2: The number of years after Ellis' execution that significant legal reforms regarding capital punishment were introduced.
1955: The year of Ellis' execution, marking a pivotal point in the history of capital punishment in the UK.
£1,500 - £2,000: Estimated auction price range for Ellis' letter.

Definitions and jargon buster

Capital punishment: The legally sanctioned killing of someone as punishment for a crime.
Diminished responsibility: A legal defence that reduces the culpability of a defendant due to mental illness or emotional distress.
Solicitor: A legal practitioner who provides advice and represents clients in legal matters.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The auction of Ellis' letter will take place soon, and the outcome may influence public perception of her case and capital punishment. Monitoring the sale and subsequent media coverage will be essential for understanding the evolving narrative.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As discussions around the letter continue, there may be increased advocacy for posthumous pardons and broader discussions on the treatment of women in the legal system. The implications of Ellis' story could reinvigorate movements focused on addressing historical injustices.

Signals to watch

Public and media responses to the auction and the letter's contents.
Potential movements advocating for clemency or posthumous pardons related to Ellis' case.
Legislative discussions regarding capital punishment and related legal reforms.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with historical discussions surrounding capital punishment in the UK.
Follow the auction and related news to stay informed of public sentiment.
Consider the implications of Ellis' case on contemporary legal reforms.

Don’t

Dismiss the significance of Ellis' story in the broader context of women's rights and justice.
Overlook the potential societal impacts of public discussions surrounding her case.

Checklist

Review the details of Ruth Ellis' case and its historical context.
Follow the auction outcomes and related media coverage.
Engage in conversations about the implications of capital punishment today.
Explore the legal definitions surrounding diminished responsibility and its relevance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Ruth Ellis' letter offers potentially vital insights, it is essential to approach its contents with caution. The interpretations of her words may vary, and the historical context surrounding her case remains complex. The ongoing discussions regarding the legitimacy of her actions and the societal norms of the time could lead to differing opinions. Moreover, the quest for a posthumous pardon is fraught with uncertainties, as legal standards and public perceptions continue to evolve.

Bottom line

The upcoming auction of Ruth Ellis' letter could serve as a pivotal moment in reigniting discussions about capital punishment and the treatment of women in the legal system. As her grandchildren seek a posthumous pardon, the case underscores the complexities of justice and the need for ongoing dialogue about historical injustices in the UK.

FAQs

What was Ruth Ellis convicted of?

Ruth Ellis was convicted of the murder of her lover, David Blakely, after a tumultuous relationship. Her execution in 1955 marked a pivotal moment in the history of capital punishment in the UK.

Why is Ellis' letter significant?

The letter, written a day before her execution, hints at undisclosed truths about her case, particularly regarding the circumstances leading to her actions and the influence of others, which has implications for discussions on justice and women's rights.

What happened after Ellis' execution?

Ruth Ellis' execution sparked public debate about capital punishment, leading to legal reforms in the UK. The introduction of diminished responsibility as a defence emerged in the years following her hanging, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards justice.