Have you heard the gruesome tale of the man who lost his head while being hung in Norwich? 

The last judicial beheading in England took place in the city’s very own castle.  

In 1855, more than a century after this type of capital punishment had ended in the UK, a condemned prisoner called Robert Goodale was to meet a gruesome end.  

Robert was locked in prison when he was found guilty of murdering his wife in the form of battering her to death during an argument and then throwing her body into a well.

Norwich Evening News: One of the authors favourite tales is that of Robert Goodale who lost his head at Norwich Castle One of the authors favourite tales is that of Robert Goodale who lost his head at Norwich Castle (Image: Antony Kelly)

But many have asked the question, did he deserve what he got? 

Robert was to be hanged at the Norwich Castle Gaol – but it was not to be a simple hanging as the executioner got his calculations wrong.  

When the lever to open the trapdoor was pulled Robert’s body dropped, but it was missing something.  

Norwich Evening News: This will be Sarah E Doig's 12th book This will be Sarah E Doig's 12th book (Image: Tony Scheuregger)

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Horrifyingly, Robert’s head was left hanging on the rope.  

The story was covered in the national press including the Illustrated Police News where it was accompanied by the artist’s impression of the moment the prisoner's body and head were pulled apart.  

This story can be read in its entirety in a Norfolk writer’s book.  

Sarah E Doig has written many tales of Norfolk including dragons, ghosts and gruesome endings.  

Norwich Evening News: Folk can get the book from Sarah E Doig at Plantation Gardens on Saturday Folk can get the book from Sarah E Doig at Plantation Gardens on Saturday (Image: Sarah E Doig)

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The book, titled The A-Z of Curious Norfolk, includes "strange stories of mysteries, crimes and eccentrics" and will be Sarah’s 12th book, having had her first published in 2013.  

The 58-year-old author said: “I have unearthed some fascinating stories about Norfolk, its residents and its villages, towns and city. 

“I could have researched forever as there are so many wonderful tales to tell.” 

Norwich Evening News: The book tells all the mysterious, gruesome and magical tales from within Norfolk The book tells all the mysterious, gruesome and magical tales from within Norfolk (Image: Archant Library)

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Sarah will be at Plantation Gardens in Earlham Road on Saturday (August 19) between 11am and 3pm.  

People can chat about curious stories and get signed copies of the book. 

The book is available in most high street stores and retailers or is available online at ancestral-heritage.co.uk.