Tyburn

Tyburn was a place in London near the present-day Marble Arch where public executions were carried out from at least the 12th century until 1783. It was primarily known for the Tyburn Tree, a distinctive triangular gallows that could hang multiple prisoners simultaneously, becoming a symbol of London's penal system and a focal point for large crowds.

Location and History:

The name "Tyburn" derives from the Tyburn Brook, a stream that once ran through the area. The location of the gallows shifted slightly over time, but it generally remained near the junction of what are now Oxford Street, Edgware Road, and Bayswater Road. Executions at Tyburn served not only as punishment but also as public spectacle and a deterrent to crime.

The Tyburn Tree:

The Tyburn Tree was not a single structure but rather a series of gallows constructed and dismantled as needed. By the 16th century, it evolved into a permanent triangular structure with three horizontal beams, allowing for the simultaneous hanging of up to 24 individuals. This design distinguished it from the more typical two-post gallows.

Executions and Spectacle:

Executions at Tyburn were major public events, drawing large crowds of spectators from all levels of society. The condemned were transported from Newgate Prison through the city in a procession, often accompanied by boisterous crowds. Upon arrival at Tyburn, the condemned were allowed to make a final speech or confession before being hanged. After the execution, the bodies were often subjected to further indignities, such as quartering or dissection, particularly in cases of treason.

Notable Executions:

Many notable figures were executed at Tyburn throughout its history, including:

• Edmund Campion (Catholic priest and martyr)
• Perkin Warbeck (pretender to the throne of England)
• Elizabeth Barton (the "Nun of Kent")
• John Rann (highwayman, known as "Sixteen String Jack")

End of Executions:

Public executions at Tyburn were abolished in 1783, primarily due to concerns about public order and the perceived barbarity of the practice. Executions were subsequently moved to Newgate Prison. The Tyburn gallows were dismantled, and the area was eventually redeveloped.

Legacy:

Tyburn remains a significant part of London's history, representing a dark chapter of public punishment and social control. A plaque near Marble Arch marks the approximate site of the Tyburn Tree. The term "Tyburn jig" or "Tyburn blossom" was often used as slang for hanging and the "Tyburn Ticket" was a certificate that granted exemption from certain parish duties to anyone who apprehended and secured the conviction of a felon. The legacy of Tyburn continues to resonate in literature, art, and popular culture as a reminder of the severity of the English legal system and the spectacle of public execution.