Derrick is a kind of hoisting machine, a frame work over oil wells etc. It is a dockyard crane resembling the gallows.

England and Spain were engaged in wars in the 16Th Century. It is said that 24 soldiers from the English fleet were condemned to death for looting in a raid on Cadiz.

No one was keen on carrying out this demeaning task. Derrick, one of the 24 condemned to death, agreed to carry out the execution of the other 23 persons-if he was given pardon.

He was granted pardon. He hanged the 23 other men. Later he became a full fledged hangman at London Tyburn gaol.

His name came to be associated with the dockyard crane resembling one of his gallows.