In a shocking revelation from history, the brutal reign of King Henry VIII witnessed the execution of an 11-year-old girl, Alice Glaston, in 1546. This grim chapter highlights the barbarity of a time when even children faced the gallows for alleged crimes.

Alice Glaston, hailing from Much Wenlock, Shropshire, was hanged alongside two other individuals. The circumstances surrounding her execution remain chillingly vague, with historical records failing to specify the crimes that led to her death.

During Henry VIII’s rule, an estimated 70,000 people were executed, marking a horrifying 3% of the population. The young girl’s fate raises questions about the nature of justice in a society where capital punishment was frequently enacted, even for minors.

Historians suggest that Alice may have been tried for serious offenses such as murder, arson, or even treason. In a time when the legal system was ruthless, her conviction likely stemmed from the harsh realities of the era, where accusations could lead to swift and fatal consequences.

The execution took place on April 13, 1546, when Alice was brought to the gallows, a grim site where she would meet her end. The executioner placed a noose around her neck, and with a swift motion, left her to hang, a haunting image of the brutality of Tudor justice.

Alice’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dark history of child executions in England, where the infamous “Bloody Code” allowed for capital punishment for a myriad of offenses. The chilling nature of her execution underscores the need for reflection on the evolution of justice and human rights.

As we delve into the past, Alice Glaston’s tragic fate compels us to confront the harsh realities of a time when innocence could not shield one from the gallows. This is a grim reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the urgent need for compassion in our justice systems today.