Something odd stands on a hill, high over the rolling hills of Berkshire. A tall wooden pole topped with a length of wood to form a T shape. The hill is called “Gallows Down” which gives you a good idea of what this unusual object is. This is Combe Gibbet.
Erected in 1676, the original Coombe Gibbet was for the express purpose of gibbeting (or displaying) the bodies of George Broomham, a married labourer, and Dorothy Newman, a widow after their execution for murder.
Love and murder
The story of how these two souls ended up dangling in this desolate place varies – as is often the case with history. The general tale is that the two were having an affair and in order to be together, killed George Broomham’s wife and son. Some versions have the incident witnessed by the wonderfully named “Mad Thomas. Whatever the truth, they were caught, found guilty, and hung in nearby Winchester. The bodies were returned and gibbeted near to the scene of the crime.
Other accounts say the victims were Dorothy’s two children. And another account suggests George did away with his wife via the rather unbelievable method of sticking her head in a hornet’s nest.
A macabre warning
Whatever the truth, the gibbet must have been an effective warning as no further murderers were strung up there. Over time, it seems it evolved from a deterrent into a tourist attraction. The original gibbet has been replaced seven times over the years, the latest being in 1992. It has blown over or rotted more than once, and twice destroyed by vandals in the sixties. That was possibly in protest at hanging as a punishment.
A gloomy day for a visit
We walked to this place on an appropriately bleak afternoon. Our walk went past Combe Gibbet then continued on, spotting the gibbet on and off in the distance. I imagine on a sunny day it’s quite nice. But with dark clouds, rain, and wind, you could certainly feel a foreboding atmosphere.
The place itself and the story connected with it could certainly spark more than one story idea. If you’re ever in the area, it’s worth popping up to take a look. There’s a couple of car parks not too far away, but I’d get there early. Even on this dark day it was busy by the time we returned.
What do you think? Please share in the comments.
30/01/2022 at 9:33 PM
Wonderfully told and very atmospheric, especially set against that grey sky!
01/02/2022 at 5:58 PM
Thankyou. I’m not really a photographer, but the weather helped set the mood very well.
01/02/2022 at 1:33 AM
Why is someone murdered? “For love or money….” is the usual answer…. sigh –
01/02/2022 at 5:57 PM
Indeed. No matter how long we’ve been about, humans don’t change much…
04/02/2022 at 6:59 AM
Mmkay! Off to have nightmares! 😀 😀
05/02/2022 at 2:53 PM
Oops sorry! It’s probably nicer when it’s sunny…and you don’t know the history!
05/02/2022 at 3:08 PM
🙂 🙂