I drive past this sight on the way to St Neots so often that I've almost stopped noticing it. This is called Caxton Gibbet - yes, it is a gibbet or gallows - there are many stories about the various grisly events that have taken place here in years gone by.
But what makes it extra spooky is that it stands, unmarked in any way as a historical item, by the side of a busy roundabout, as if it is the most ordinary thing in the world.
On top of that, since a devastating fire last year, the gibbet has as its backdrop, the burnt out shell of a Chinese restaurant. For some reason it's been left standing in this state for 18 months. I don't know which is spookier, the ruins or the gibbet.
For William Cobbett fans ( you know who you are!), the great man noted this scene in his journal in 1822. “Just on the most dreary part of this most dreary scene, stands almost opportunely, Caxton Gibbet, tendering its friendly one arm to the passers-by. It has recently been fresh-painted, and written on in conspicuous characters, for the benefit, I suppose, of those who cannot exist under the thought of wheat at four shillings a bushel.” [A Vision of Britain Through Time
This is great, well shot with the building in the background. Good old William Cobbett..fancy that this has stood there all this time, what history it has seen. One of the best for the theme so far!
just the gallows by itself is spooky and there probably are some restless souls still in the area, but the ruined building adds the the creepy feeling.
Spooky on many spooky levels, like as you say how it has no plaque giving it's history, that's weird, almost like it's in current use for passing motorists with annoying passengers, is there a lay-by near by?The roofless restaurant makes a very good backdrop!
Great shot....& what a Nice spot to hang around .. ...
... still might be usful today , i could think of a few over the years that could do with this treatment ....lol...
yes,yes Helen, we have been reminded who we are! Hard to believe that gibbet has stood there for over 200yrs - and no recognition! Someone should start the Friends of Caxton Gibbet. Incidentally WC would be delighted to know that wheat is currently about 1/3 of 1822 prices!
October 30th, 2010
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... still might be usful today , i could think of a few over the years that could do with this treatment ....lol...