Combe Gibbet

Wikipedia (with thanks) says:
Combe Gibbet is a gibbet at the top of Gallows Down, near the village of Combe in Berkshire.
The gibbet is located on the Test Way close to the Berkshire-Hampshire border, it is named after the village of Combe, but it is also close to Inkpen. The nearest sizeable town is Newbury in Berkshire. It is built on top of a long barrow known as the Inkpen long barrow. The long barrow is 60 m long and 22 m wide. Walbury Hill (the highest point in South East England) is just a little further to the east.
It was erected in 1676 for the purpose of gibbeting the bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman and has only ever been used for them. The gibbet was placed in such a prominent location as a warning, to deter others from committing crimes. Broomham and Newman were having an affair and were hanged for murdering Broomham's wife Martha, and their son Robert after they discovered them together on the downs. Unfortunately for the lovers, the murder was witnessed by "Mad Thomas", who managed to convey what he had seen to the authorities.
A replica gibbet marks the site. The original was destroyed many years ago and subsequent replicas have been replaced several times.
Nowadays it is a popular local tourist attraction with good views of the surrounding area. It is also popular with hang gliders and paragliders.

Interesting history there. However, for me, it's a good photography spot. Berkshire, my home county, is very flat, and there is little in the way of real landscapes. Up here, very close to the highest spot for miles, you can actually see more than a few hundred yards!

You can click any picture to see a bigger version, 1500 pixels wide, in a new window


196  The view of the gibbet from the parking place. You can actually drive up to it - but not in my car!

201  Why I won't drive up to the gibbet - at least not in this car!

209  One of the local residents

221  That bottle has been suspended up there at the top for several years

224  Sheep may safely graze, but should try not to get their wool caight in the fence

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