Was he beheaded? We uncover the secrets of the Headless Man

This story has everything: war, politics, betrayal, scandal, murder and at its heart a cracking forensic science mystery. This is the story of Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat of the Highland, also known as the Fox.

In the late 1660s, Simon Fraser was born in a house on the banks of a burn in the Highlands of Scotland. Although he was initially not intended to become Chief of Clan Fraser, by luck and by guile in his early twenties, he discovered he had the best claim to this title. For decades his claim remained unstable, leading him into a wild career of political intrigue, violence, blood feuds and tested loyalties – all events that epitomised the Highlands during this tumultuous period.

In 1745, Lovat made the most important decisions of his life when he decided to support Bonnie Prince Charlie’s claim for the British crown. His clan partook at the Battle of Culloden the following year, where the Jacobite rising was decisively defeated. It was the last pitched battle ever to be fought on British soil.

After the Jacobite defeat at Culloden, Lovat was led to London in chains, convicted of treason and subsequently beheaded in 1747 - the last person in history to be beheaded by the British state for treason. Simon Fraser’s life was a fascinating one; yet his story becomes even more interesting following his death. After his execution it was claimed he was buried in London. His family, however, have always maintained that he was brought up to his native Highlands and buried in the family mausoleum.

In this video, Dan joins Professor Sue Black, one of the world’s most respected forensic anthropologists, and her team from Dundee University, as they open the tomb and discover the truth.

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[theeutecticpoint]

Dr Sue is a fantastic character, not just clearly an expert in her field but also and excellent presenter!

[chrisball]

My guess as to why there's a random headless woman in the coffin is that Fraser's clansmen didn't want to turn up back in Inverness without his body. After their efforts to get the real corpse were thwarted, they decided to 'acquire' a headless corpse through either grave robbery or bribery, knowing that by the time it got to Scotland it'd be mostly decomposed anyway, and nobody would be any the wiser.

[Textile_Courtesan]

Dr. Sue Black did not disappoint! She didn't pull punches when giving unexpected evidence. I really enjoy watching her work and she is a consummate scientist. Had I know she was in this I would've watched sooner.

[anthonystevens]

I have to say that Dan and Sue have made a cracking historical video about Simon the Fox. I never saw the conclusion coming. Several bodies in the one casket and no heads found. The young lady and the others without a skull between them brings more questions than answers. Was something more sinister going on? I guess we'll never know, But bones in a casket in the mausoleum look like they were symbolic, that no one knew for sure until recently if Simon was there or not kept the riddle un answered. Well done HistoryHit, another top production. Many thanks for sharing.

[tagabundok]

I'm frankly refreshed that these presenters don't engage in wild speculation especially when their assumptions are upended at the. They simply digest the new facts and contemplate.

[ianwright]

I worked a bit with sue black at lancaster university. She told me off the first time i met her for calling her 'dame sue' ...because she is ! I was told to just call her 'sue' ! Lovely brilliant woman... in fact i think shes 'baroness sue' now !!

[carlbrown]

Whatever the results may be, this is a remarkable story. Thanks for bringing us into this narrative.

[gunengineering]

The risks people take for power and prestige never ceases to amaze me.

[jillwanlin]

One of your best presentations yet, packed with so much history and entertaining at every turn. Simon Fraser lived quite a life, and was blessed to have such a long one, at that. Interesting fellow. Thanks so much, I really enjoyed this episode. 🇨🇦🇬🇧❤️HH

[kariannecrysler]

I’m having a terrible Monday and this video has made it so much better
Thank you

[DidMyGrandfatherMakeThis]

To me, one headless body wrapped in funerary shrouds and suffering from ten days worth of decomposition, you aren't going to be examining the corpse that carefully or closely. The wily and opportunistic undertaker gets rid of a body of a nobody by removing their head, giving that to the Fraser's and returns the original body to the crown to keep in favour. Then you get a nobody being essentially someone, a great irony.

[williamrobinson]

I'd no real knowledge of this prior to seeing the video. Thanks indeed! Callum is great. Great rhythm, great ornamentation, style, articulation and authenticity. Nice one Dan and team! ⭐👍

[JohnDavies-cnro]

The initial 'cover' reads 'the last man executed in Britain'. Surely, that was James Hanratty, rather later than Simon the Fox?

[joezephyr]

At the start we learnt that a body was switched in London. Lord Lovett is buried in London. The switched body had the head removed and then was transported to Scotland.

[brittanyworton]

What a delightful surprise to see Dr. Sue Black!! Highly recommend both of her audiobooks- she’s such a great personality!

[nancyhammons]

That was a truly interesting look into the past. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[evansquilt]

I wonder who the women and children were? Dan's reaction is priceless.

[maryannchaisson]

What a fascinating story. As a total history buff - this was one of best I’ve ever seen! Happy New Year! Bravo!🇨🇦👏👏👏💐🇨🇦

[jamieknight]

Dr Sue Black is utterly brilliant. I wonder what the truth is. We may never know!

[neilpk]

Great mix of fascinating history and forensic science.
Dan might have hyped the possibility that this was Simon Fraser, but that's entertainment.