For a copy of the task sheet go here. When you reach the page, click on Derek Bentley.
Links to film material on the Derek Bentley case:
Storyline - 1993 documentary following the Home Secretary's refusal to grant a pardon
Storyline continued
Newsnight - BBC2 coverage following the final pardon 1998
Let Him Dangle - song by Elvis Costello about Derek Bentley
Other coverage:
Stephen's Study Room - a very clear account of the story. It is not clear who Stephen Stratford is but his home page takes you to 'References' where he says what sources he has used.
BBC On This Day - Bentley's execution
BBC News 1998 - the pardon
The Death of Iris Bentley
To Encourage the Others - poem by Michael Taylor
Bentley and Craig - song by Ralph McTell
If you want to go deeper into the case of Craig and Bentley, here are some links:
Wikipedia - not always reliable
Bentley's police statement
An article that does not sympathise with Bentley
The hanging of Bentley in the words of the executioner Albert Pierrepoint
The decision of the Court of Appeal 1998
The Guardian reports the pardon 1998
Memorial service for Bentley after the pardon 1999
Investigating the history of capital punishment in this country.
On these pages, click on the documents and images for more information and examples. There are also tasks and games.
Capital Punishment in the UK - Wikipedia
History of Capital punishment - Stephen Stratford's site (see Stephen's Study Room above)
The Middle Ages - read and then click on Capital Punishment
The Early Modern Period - read and then click on The Bloody Code
The Industrial Period
The 20th century - read and then click on Abolition of Capital Punishment
