Alex Massie Alex Massie

The Execution of Admiral Byng

It took place, as James Kirkup reminds us, on this day in 1757. As James puts it:

To this day, his family argue – with considerable justification — that he was wrongly treated and should be pardoned. Every year on the anniversary of his death, bells sound in Southill, Bedfordshire, where his descendents still live.

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