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만약 '어두운 역사와 아름다운 경치가 만나는' 장소를 찾고 있다면, Combe Gibbet이 바로 그런 곳입니다. 버크셔와 햄프셔의 경계에 있는 Gallows Down(이름에서 알 수 있듯이!) 높은 곳에 자리 잡고 있으며, North Wessex Downs에서 가장 분위기 있는 장소 중 하나입니다. 이 외딴 랜드마크에 얽힌 이야기는 다음과 같습니다. 'Double Trouble' 기원 이야기 교수대는 단순한 장식이 아닙니다. 1676년에 매우 구체적이고 음울한 이유로 지어졌습니다. George Broomham이라는 지역 남성과 그의 정부인 Dorothy Newman은 George의 아내와 아들을 살해한 혐의로 유죄 판결을 받았습니다. 다른 사람들에게 경고하기 위해 당국은 교구 경계선 바로 위에 사슬로 매달기 위해 거대한 이중 팔 교수대를 세웠습니다. 오늘날 볼 수 있는 것은 복제품(7번째 또는 8번째 버전!)이지만, 하늘을 배경으로 꽤 으스스하게 보이는 바로 그 자리에 서 있습니다. 실제로 방문하기 좋은 이유 음산한 역사에도 불구하고 사람들은 17세기 범죄와는 전혀 관련이 없는 이유로 이곳에 몰려듭니다. 경치: 능선 꼭대기(잉글랜드 남동부에서 가장 높은 지점인 Walbury Hill 근처)에 있기 때문에 몇 마일이나 볼 수 있습니다. 맑은 날에는 Kennet Valley를 가로질러 Cotswolds까지 볼 수 있습니다. 패러글라이더: 패러글라이딩과 행글라이딩을 위한 전설적인 장소입니다. 풀밭에 앉아 가파른 절벽에서 이륙하여 거대한 새처럼 계곡 위를 선회하는 모습을 보는 것은 매우 편안합니다. 고대 역사: 교수대는 실제로 신석기 시대의 Long Barrow(5,000년 된 매장지) 위에 지어졌습니다. 따라서 이곳은 아주 오랫동안 인간에게 중요한 '높은 장소'였습니다.

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.

Any climb is generally worth it for the views at the top, this is in the top few for a far reaching vista.

Combe Gibbet is an impressive landmark at the top of Gallows Down, near Combe. It is actually located on the Test Way footpath on the Berkshire-Hampshire border and is a well-known local landmark. Historically, the gibbet was only used once back in 1676 to display the bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman. Both were hanged for murdering Broomham’s wife and son, who discovered their extramarital affair, but alas, there was a witness, and things didn’t work out so well for them. Since that time, the gibbet has been replaced seven times, the last time back in 1992. Now it is just a tourist attraction and an area where you have stunning views out over the surrounding countryside. With a nearby car park, it is also a popular spot with hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts.

Wonderful views to the North along this stretch

This is a monster climb especially if you’re getting on a bit like me. But it is worth the effort and has a great decent the other side