History of Dover

Owing to the finding of a skeleton at the entrance of Bridge Street Charlton which was said to be that of Spence the last Dover murderer executed at that spot. Much discussion has arisen with regard the event. The assertion that Spence was buried at that spot has been disproved by recollections of many old inhabitants, but in addition to those fleeting recollections our readers who are interested in this subject may be glad to read the following account which we copy from a pile of old Kentish newspapers in our possession.

On Friday August 9th 1822, Alexander John Spence who was convicted at the last Dover Sessions under Lord Ellenborough’s Act for shooting at Lieutenant Philip Graham at the coast blockade and sentenced to death underwent the awful penalty of the law. During the trial, the passing of the sentence and since his condemnation the unhappy man evinced the greatest fortitude. Until Thursday he slept remarkably well and ate heartily, when he became extremely restless and arose a number of times yet about five o’clock he made a very hearty breakfast.

Having been attended by the Rev. M. Maule who was indefatigable in his exertions to impress on the mind of the unhappy man the dreadful position on which he stood, it is believed that inwardly he was truly penitent and in a great measure prepared for the awful change from life to death, but in outward appearance his fortitude never forsook him.

On parting with his sisters on Friday morning he was more affected than he had been since his trial, but soon gained his presence of mind. After receiving the sacrament he came out of Gaol acceded the ladder and got into the cart, which was to convey him to the fatal gibbet with a firm and undaunted step and look. Having recognised of his friends he rose in the cart and respectfully bowed to them. Mr. Maule constantly prayed with him until the arrival at the place of execution.

When the executioner having placed the cap over his eyes and adjusted the rope the unhappy man, before the hangman could whip the horse either slipped or threw himself from the platform which caused him to struggle very hard and was launched into the presence of the Almighty Being to whom all secrets are known. Thus ended the life of one who might had he not associated with bad company have deserved a much better fate. He was a robust good-looking young man and would have been 22 years of age on Saturday. After hanging the usual time the body was cut down and delivered over to his friends who are respectable for interment. The forgoing report does not say where the body was interred but it is consistent with the statement that he was buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard.

What a spectacle it must have been for a criminal with numerous friends and relatives living in the town to be carted from the old prison in the Market Place up to the top of High Street and there hang in the main thoroughfare! Who says the former days were better than these.

Dover Express August 1872.

It will be fifty years ago on the 23rd of the present month since the last execution took place in the Borough of Dover. The culprit was an unfortunate youth of respectable connections John Spence and he had been convicted of shooting with intent to murder a young man who had been paying attentions to his sister against his (Spence’s) wishes.

The execution took place on the corner of Black Horse Lane, Charlton near the spot now occupied by the Denmark Arms and was witnessed by a crowd of spectators, the fate of the poor lad exciting much commiseration at the time. It was the custom at the time to convey to the place of execution the coffin in which the remains of the culprit were to be interred with his name and age painted on the plate and this barbarous and unnecessary piece of torture was duly observed in the case referred to.