The story of John “Babbacombe” Lee, often referred to as the “man they couldn’t hang,” is one of the most astonishing and baffling tales in the annals of criminal history. In 1885, Lee was convicted of the brutal murder of his employer, Emma Keyse, and sentenced to death by hanging. However, in a twist of fate that defies logic, Lee survived not one but three attempts to execute him. His miraculous escape from death has since become a part of British folklore, with many still wondering whether it was a stroke of divine intervention or a peculiar quirk of fate. This article delves into the details of John Babbacombe Lee’s life, the murder, his trial, and the incredible series of events that spared him from the gallows.

Early Life of John Lee

John Henry George Lee was born in 1864 in Abbotskerswell, a small village near Newton Abbot, Devon, England. He came from a working-class family and spent much of his early life doing odd jobs around the local area. In his youth, Lee joined the Royal Navy, but his time in the service was short-lived, and he returned to civilian life with a less-than-stellar reputation. He was known to have dabbled in petty theft and other minor criminal activities, which led to a stint in prison.

Upon his release, Lee found employment at The Glen, a mansion in the seaside town of Babbacombe, owned by an elderly widow named Emma Keyse. Lee had previously worked at The Glen, and due to family connections—his half-sister, Elizabeth Harris, was a cook in Keyse’s household—he secured a position as a servant.

The Murder of Emma Keyse

On November 15, 1884, the quiet seaside town of Babbacombe was rocked by the gruesome murder of 68-year-old Emma Keyse. Keyse was found dead in her home with her throat brutally slashed, and parts of the house had been set on fire in what appeared to be an attempt to cover up the crime.

John Lee, who was one of the few people present in the house at the time, was quickly arrested. The evidence against Lee was circumstantial but damning: he had a history of theft, his behavior on the night of the murder was suspicious, and a knife that was believed to be the murder weapon was found in the vicinity.

Though Lee consistently proclaimed his innocence, claiming he had no reason to harm his employer, the evidence—combined with the public’s desire for swift justice—led to his conviction. In February 1885, Lee was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging at Exeter Prison.

The Execution That Never Happened

John Lee’s scheduled execution on February 23, 1885, was set to be carried out at Exeter Prison by executioner James Berry. Berry was a seasoned hangman, having conducted several executions before, and he did not expect any problems with Lee’s hanging. However, what transpired that day would become one of the most extraordinary events in legal history.

The Trapdoor Malfunction

On the day of his execution, Lee was brought to the gallows. A noose was placed around his neck, and he stood on the trapdoor, ready for the fatal drop. James Berry pulled the lever to release the trapdoor, but to everyone’s astonishment, the door failed to open. The prison staff inspected the mechanism, made adjustments, and tried again. But once more, the trapdoor refused to budge. A third attempt was made after further adjustments, but the same thing happened—the trapdoor would not open, and John Lee remained standing.

By now, a sense of bewilderment and frustration had taken over the prison. James Berry, along with several other officials, examined the gallows thoroughly but could find no mechanical fault. The trapdoor had been tested earlier and had functioned perfectly. Yet, during Lee’s execution, it inexplicably malfunctioned.

After the third failed attempt to execute John Lee, the authorities decided to halt the execution and return him to his cell. News of the botched hanging spread rapidly, and it wasn’t long before the public began to wonder whether Lee had been spared by divine intervention.

The Aftermath: Commutation of Sentence

Following the failed execution attempts, there was considerable debate about what should be done with John Lee. While some called for a new gallows to be built and the execution to be rescheduled, others believed that the repeated failure of the trapdoor was a sign that Lee’s life should be spared.

The Home Secretary at the time, Sir William Harcourt, made the decision that Lee’s death sentence should be commuted to life imprisonment. He cited the unprecedented nature of the failed execution as a reason for this decision. In his view, it would have been inhumane to subject Lee to further attempts at execution.

Thus, John Lee’s life was spared, and he became known as “the man they couldn’t hang.” His death sentence was officially commuted to life imprisonment, and he was sent to serve his time at Portland Prison and later at Dartmoor Prison.

Lee’s Later Life and Legacy

After spending 22 years in prison, John Lee was released in 1907 due to a campaign for his release and the growing belief that his conviction may have been a miscarriage of justice. Some historians and legal experts later argued that Lee may have been innocent of the murder of Emma Keyse, pointing out that the evidence against him was largely circumstantial and that his conviction rested more on public pressure for a quick resolution to the crime than on solid proof of guilt.

Following his release, Lee disappeared from the public eye. There are varying accounts of his later life, with some suggesting that he emigrated to the United States, while others claim he lived quietly in England under an assumed name. His exact fate remains somewhat of a mystery, but his story continues to captivate historians, legal scholars, and the public.

Theories Behind the Failed Execution

While the malfunction of the trapdoor has often been viewed as a mysterious and even supernatural event, there are a few theories that attempt to explain why the execution failed:

1. Mechanical Error: Some believe that the gallows mechanism was simply faulty. The gallows had been tested prior to the execution, but the weight of the sandbags used in the test may not have been the same as Lee’s weight, causing the trapdoor to malfunction during the actual execution. However, the fact that the trapdoor failed three times has led many to doubt this theory.
2. Poor Maintenance: Another theory suggests that the gallows were not properly maintained, and the wear and tear on the trapdoor mechanism caused it to malfunction when it was needed. The prison staff may not have performed a thorough inspection of the equipment prior to the execution.
3. Divine Intervention: For many, the most intriguing explanation is the idea that Lee was spared by divine intervention. The fact that three attempts were made and all failed has led some to believe that a higher power intervened to save Lee from execution. This interpretation, while unscientific, has added to the folklore surrounding the case.
4. Sabotage: Some have speculated that there may have been deliberate sabotage involved in Lee’s failed execution. This theory suggests that someone within the prison staff may have tampered with the gallows, either out of sympathy for Lee or to prevent his death. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.

Conclusion: The Legacy of John Babbacombe Lee

The story of John “Babbacombe” Lee has become one of the most remarkable tales in British criminal history. His survival of three failed execution attempts has left many questions unanswered and has cemented his place in history as “the man they couldn’t hang.”

Lee’s case remains an enduring mystery, and his life has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. The failed execution is often cited as one of the most extraordinary examples of a person seemingly cheating death, and it continues to inspire speculation about fate, justice, and the unexplained forces that may govern our lives.

Whether John Lee was truly innocent or simply the beneficiary of an astonishing quirk of fate, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of life—and death.