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Two criminals on display with boards detailing their offences. If you can't read it, their crimes are serious; extremely questionable hair cuts and going to bed with filthy feet. Oh dear, I hope the woke don't come after me.

Two more criminals on display with boards illustrating their crimes under the supervision of Indian staff in the 1880s.

Pirates and other criminals could expect public execution. After beheading the criminal might be chopped into pieces - like this trio. Or duo. It's hard to tell.

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According to the blurb on the wall, the daily occurrence book had very brief and concise notes such as "Prisoner executed as laid down by law". Execution was uncommon in Hong Kong but was applicable for murder, kidnap leading to death, and piracy. Hangings occurred at dawn, chaplains were available, and a last meal would be specially prepared for the condemned. In the days leading up the execution the executioner would test the gallows using weights to stretch the rope. The actual act of execution was quick. The hangman would come into the cell and shackle the prisoner. The prisoner would be brought to the execution chamber and the noose would be placed around the neck. A hood would be put on, a prayer said, and then the hangman would pull the lever. The trapdoor would open and the prisoner would drop 8 to 10 feet breaking his neck, killing him instantly. Execution was still on the books until 1993 although the last execution was in 1966.