Exeter Phoenix secures £7,400 funding for John Babbacombe Lee Project – 'the man they couldn't hang'

Devon heritage project: the Exeter Phoenix has secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for young people to investigate the story of John Babbacome Lee, ‘the man they couldn’t hang’

The Exeter Phoenix has secured £7,400 worth of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards a visual art and performance project inspired by John Babbacome Lee, better known as ‘the man they couldn’t hang’.

John Babbacome Lee, from Abbotskerswell in Teignbridge, was found guilty of murder in 1884. He was sentenced to be hung at Exeter Guildhall, but each time he was placed on the trap door on the gallows it failed to open.

Despite attempts to hang him several times, the trapdoor still refused to open and officials were forced to abandon the execution, with the crowd giving Babbacome Lee the infamous nickname, ‘the man they couldn’t hang’.

The project, which will last for six months and begin in January 2011, will involve young people meeting regularly to research the story and produce an exhibition and performance based upon it.

The young people involved will have the chance to learn new skills in research and in creating visual artwork. The performance piece they create will be performed at a number of different venues in and around Exeter. 

The funding for the project has been awarded by HLF as part of their Young Roots scheme, a grant programme designed to engage young people aged 13-25 with their heritage.

Young Roots projects stem directly from the interest and ideas of young people, who are supported by youth and heritage organisations to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with their local communities.

Clare Saunders, education manager for performance and music at the Exeter Phoenix told ArtsCulture: “The Young Roots scheme is fantastic as it enables youth groups and organisations to apply for funding that allows young people to look back at things that have happened in the past in a creative way.

“Our project will enable us to look back at the story of John Babbacombe Lee and present it to a modern day audience in a variety of ways, though visual art and performance art.

“One of the major attractions of this project for young people is that it will be free to take part in and they will able to work with and learn from professional visual and performance artists.”

Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West said: “Young people are the future champions for heritage, and bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to projects that focus on our past. For this reason we were delighted to support the ‘John Babbacombe Lee’ project, which will retell a fascinating story from Exeter’s history in a new and exciting way.”