Where Did Hangings Take Place in London?

By Anna Duncan

London has a long and storied history, with many dark events that have taken place within its borders. One such event that has left a lasting impression is public hangings.

For centuries, London was a place where criminals were put to death in front of large crowds of onlookers. But where did these hangings take place? Let’s take a closer look.

The History of Public Hangings in London

Public hangings have been a part of English history since the Middle Ages. During this time, executions were carried out in public squares or on makeshift gallows outside of town centers. It wasn’t until the 18th century that public executions became more formalized, with permanent structures being built specifically for the purpose of hanging criminals.

The Tyburn Tree

One of the most well-known places for public hangings in London was the Tyburn Tree. This was a triple gallows located near present-day Marble Arch, which saw over 50,000 executions between the 12th and 18th centuries. The Tyburn Tree was a gruesome sight, with up to three people being hanged at once and their bodies left hanging for days as a warning to others.

Newgate Prison

Newgate Prison was another popular location for public hangings in London. Located near St Paul’s Cathedral, Newgate Prison was originally built in the 12th century and served as one of London’s main jails until its closure in 1902. Hundreds of prisoners were executed on the gallows outside Newgate Prison over the years, with crowds gathering to watch from nearby rooftops.

Old Bailey

The Old Bailey courthouse is still in use today as one of London’s main criminal courts. But before it became a courthouse, it was also used as a location for public hangings. Between 1674 and 1868, over 200 people were hanged at the Old Bailey, with the gallows being located outside the courthouse walls.

The End of Public Hangings in London

Public hangings in London came to an end in 1868. The decision to stop public executions was made due to concerns over the large crowds that would gather to watch, as well as questions about whether public hangings were an effective deterrent for crime. Executions continued to take place within prison walls until capital punishment was abolished in England in 1965.

Conclusion

London’s history is full of dark moments, and public hangings are just one example of this. While the locations where these hangings took place may now be tourist attractions or residential areas, it’s important to remember the events that occurred there and the lessons we can learn from them.