周辺のスポット/アトラクション・トップ20

historical place

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Replacements and Legacy: The original gibbet from 1676 eventually deteriorated. The current gibbet is actually the seventh to stand on the site. Previous versions were replaced due to rotting, being struck by lightning, vandalism, or being blown down by strong winds. The current replica was erected in 1992. While the gibbet was only ever used for the display of George Bromham and Dorothy Newman, its grim history has made it a local landmark and a popular spot for walkers, hang-gliders, and paragliders, offering expansive views across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. The story of the murders even inspired a 1948 silent film called "The Black Legend," made by a young John Schlesinger.

The Gibbet's Purpose: After their execution, their bodies were brought back to Inkpen and prepared for public display. A large, double gibbet was hastily erected on the long barrow. The bodies of George and Dorothy, bound in chains, were then displayed on either side of the gibbet on March 6, 1676, as a stark and gruesome warning to the local community to deter similar crimes. The location was chosen due to its prominence and being on the border of the two parishes, as there was a dispute over which parish should bear the cost of the gibbet.

The Murders and Gibbeting: The Crime: George Bromham, a married farm labourer from Combe, and Dorothy Newman, a widow from Inkpen, were having an illicit affair. To be together, they murdered George's wife, Martha Bromham, and their son, Robert. Accounts vary, but it's believed they waylaid Martha and Robert and beat them to death with staves near where the gibbet now stands. One dramatic, though likely far-fetched, version suggests George killed his wife by thrusting her head into a hornet's nest. The Witness: The crime was reportedly witnessed by a villager known as "Mad Thomas," who alerted the authorities. Trial and Execution: George Bromham and Dorothy Newman were tried at Winchester Assizes. They were found guilty and hanged in Winchester on March 3, 1676.

Wonderful views to the North along this stretch

Kennet and Avon Canal path is a lovely section with plenty of room to pass walkers, be respectful and use a bell

Savernake Forest is a reminant of the vast ancient woodland which once covered much of Britain. It's a former Royal Stag hunting forest. Today it's privately owned but open to the public and managed by the Forestry England. It's home to numerous ancient trees, mostly Oaks between 1,000 & 1,100 years old. Many are individually named, reflecting the appearance and character of these amazing life forms.

Crofton Pumping Station advertises that it has the oldest working steam engine in the world. The idea was actually to route the canal through a mountain at a lower altitude using a tunnel. But this project was too expensive and too complex. That's why the pumping station was built. It once reliably filled the canal with water at the geographically highest points of the route.

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The Kennet and Avon Canal is 87 miles (140km) long. It links Bristol to Reading joining the natural waterways of the Avon and Kennet rivers with a 57mile (92km) canal. The canal was constructed between 1794 and 1810. The construction of the railways lost the canal a lot of it's trade and it fell into disrepair in the late 19th century. The canal and path have been restored and fully opened again in 1990.

"The Church of England parish church of the Holy Cross was begun in the 13th century and enlarged later that century or in the early 14th. In the 15th century the chancel was lengthened and re-roofed. In 1891–2 the aisles were rebuilt and the south porch rebuilt. The building is of flint with limestone dressings, and the chancel is finished in roughcast. The west tower is described as "massive" and has substantial corner buttresses. The collection of stone fragments held in the church includes four which appear to be Norman. The font bowl is 12th century. The interior fittings, which include two brass chandeliers dated 1751, are described by Pevsner as "quite an uncommon wealth". The tower has six bells, five of them dated 1708 and made by the elder Abraham Rudhall. The church was recorded as Grade I listed in 1966." Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsbury

There is a WWII pill box next to the parking lot. It's part of the defense line along the canal. https://pennypost.org.uk/2020/02/the-role-of-pillboxes-along-the-kennet-avon-canal-during-ww2/

Kennet and Avon Canal path was pretty quite on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in September which was useful given that it is very narrow in places so passing people and other bikes could be an issue on a busy day

Combe Gibbet is a macabre monument on the top of Gallows Down. The structure was erected in 1676 to hang the bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman. Broomham and Newman were having an affair and were hanged for murdering Broomham's wife Martha and their son Robert, after they discovered them together on the downs. You are afforded wonderful views from the monument.

A pretty set of nine locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, the Crofton Locks were designed by John Rennie to supply water to the western end. Next to the locks, the Crofton Pumping Station has a cafe, gift shop and picnic area. The area also provides important habitat for wildlife and is home to lots of swans, ducks, moorhens, thrushes and even common lizards and and slow worms.

Look out for deer, squirrels and rare lichens on old trees.

There are many narrower walkways within the forest which take you to the quieter and most interesting parts.