The Diaries of Britain's Last Hangman

Harry Allen, the last executioner in Britain, supervised many executions between 1941 and 1964, and maintained a precise record of the deaths of each of his prisoners.

His diary recorded the age, weight, height and the calculations of how long the rope needed to be to generate the speed required to ensure a swift death.

Harry Allen was Assistant Executioner to Albert Pierrepoint, the figure documented in the feature film starring Timothy Spall.

His diary and tools of the trade, including two black bow ties and his tape measure, will be auctioned by Marshall's in Knutsford, Cheshire, on November 11. They are expected to fetch around £5,000.