The first was in 1854, the last in 1961. This is the story of execution in Belfast and of the men - soldier and terrorist, labourer and tramp, American Jew and farmer - who were prepared to take a life; of the men, women and children who were their victims; and the hangmen the State paid to kill on the public’s behalf.

It is a remarkable story, often sad and gruesome, occasionally quirky but always fascinating.