The names of our roads and towns in Essex often reflect their key features. While many relate to natural landmarks like some of our major rivers, some have landmarks which tell a more sinister story into the past.
One such place is a road which feeds out of London into Essex, eventually reaching Colchester. Gallows Corner, harks back to a time where capital punishment was law, and prisoners met their final end– with the hangman.
The Romford road lined an area known as Gallows Lane, near to a local prison. The condemned were held there in the 16th and 17th centuries, and crimes could be as serious as murder or as minor as theft. There are records of criminals being buried at the site, which is now in the grounds of Ravensbourne School.
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However, Prisoners were not buried immediately after their passing. Often the corpses of the condemned would remain in the sight of passers-by as a warning against committing crime in the area.
In 1970, a large arterial road was built in the area, but Gallows Corner remained with its name as a reminder to years passed. Motorists will still know the area by the name that once struck fear into those who committed a crime.