Tom Longs Post - A historic place. by ladymagpie

Tom Longs Post - A historic place.

This is a historic landmark in my area, high on top of the hills and on what's known as common land. It marks where there are several roads converging onto one spot. It's also in the middle of a golf course and used, not only by families for recreation, but lots of cattle are allowed to roam freely over the vast area.

Now there are many stories as to the history of this name of Tom Long's Post. It was suggested that a highwayman was hung here in the 17th century, but that was disproved as all hangings took place in the city of Gloucester. Saying that it was also suggested that his body was brought here to hang in chains as a deterrent to others. The third suggestion was that a local man from a village nearby, committed suicide and his body was buried here.

A more sensible suggestion was that Tom Long was a nickname for a haulier and stage coach owner and that this was a pick-up point on the road to London. I think I prefer the the 17th century story, a Dick Turpin type character.

I will get to all your lovely pictures after I've finished with my live football coverage.
Superb, it is like a postcard. Fascinating history, thanks for sharing, I have learnt a lot.
fav.
April 9th, 2016  
Great shot & interesting history, instant fav
April 9th, 2016  
Once more you have given us an interesting story to accompany a great photo! Fav
April 9th, 2016  
It's a lovely capture and I enjoyed reading the stories although I'm not sure which one I prefer.
April 9th, 2016  
Great stories and a super capture. I like the old signposts,but they're disappearing. Fav!! 😃
April 9th, 2016  
Nice photo Heather. My memory tells me that in the 60's it was in the middle of the road whereas the road layout is different today.
April 9th, 2016  
very cool sign and story!!
April 9th, 2016  
Thanks for sharing. Loved the stories.
April 9th, 2016  
Cool! I love things like this!!
April 9th, 2016  
What an interesting crossroads and history!
April 9th, 2016  
Great capture
April 9th, 2016  
This is a great capture and awesome story - a must fav for me.
April 9th, 2016  
Great crossroads sign comp Fav!

Heather could you please re-hit the Fav button on my shot Ruby Drops' as it hasn't registered
April 9th, 2016  
I instantly thought of The Heartbeat program this could be the Yorkshire Dales
April 9th, 2016  
Best sign I've seen in ages!
@snaggy
April 9th, 2016  
Nice shot and interesting history. I suppose you can choose which ever one you like the most
April 9th, 2016  
Keep digging to help settle our imagination!
April 10th, 2016  
gorgeous country scene, tragic how the name came about, though still like the scene
fav
April 10th, 2016  
Fascinating history and very dark, dismal and dramatic...love it. Excellent shot, love the clouds, beautiful scenery.
April 10th, 2016  
I like the idea it was a staging post, far less gory than the other options!
April 10th, 2016  
That looks fabulous!
April 10th, 2016  
Fabulous shot.
April 10th, 2016  
I've wondered about the history of this post when I've passed it. Thank you for all the information. Great image
April 10th, 2016  
Bep
Interesting story, nice picture. Fav.
April 10th, 2016  
Interesting story and a fabulous sky.
April 10th, 2016  
The post that bears this mysterious figure's name certainly has a lovely view.
April 11th, 2016  
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