The Flaming Gibbet - Galley Hill, Nr Streatley, Luton, Bedfordshire, UK
Posted by: 
Dragontree
N 51° 55.861 W 000° 24.782
30U E 677855 N 5756528
This hill in the Bedfordshire countryside used to be the site of the gibbet.
Waymark Code: WM5GR8
Location: Eastern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 01/05/2009
Views: 12
During the 16th and 17th centuries Galley Hill was used as a burial ground for those committed of witchcraft and was the location of the local gibbet. As a prime town on the route to London the town of Luton was a popular place for thieves. The gibbet was erected as a deterrent for such crimes.
Galley Hill is located 187m above sea level and is visible for miles around. The gibbet had a wooden post and an arm, bodies were soaked in tar before being hung here for all to see to ensure they didn't rot quickly.
One night during a storm a bolt of lightning struck the gibbet splitting the wood and setting it alight. A black dog figure was seen dancing in the flames and smoke howling before the embers extinguished. It is said the dog gathers the souls of the criminals and is occasionally seen today.
Before Galley Hill was used for the gibbet it was a Barrow and Hill Fort used from the Neolithic to the Roman period. Four Barrows are located near the Iron Age Boundary of Drays Ditches.
Type of Device: Location of Gibbet
What is the approximate age?: 01/01/1600
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Associated Website: [Web Link]
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