Stay of execution
In November 1740, 17-year-old William Duell was hanged at Tyburn – but survived to live on for another 65 years, reportedly dying in Boston, Massachusetts in 1805. After his apparent execution, Duell’s body was delivered to the Surgeons’ Hall in London to be prepared for dissection. While it was being washed, someone noticed signs of life. Duell eventually recovered, and was returned to prison. His sentence was changed to transportation for life to America.