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Ancient Execution Device Reborn in Halifax
15 Mar
Summary
- A 13th-century execution device replica is being replaced.
- The original Halifax Gibbet was used until 1650.
- A new bespoke oak replica will use traditional methods.
A replica of the 13th-century Halifax Gibbet, an early predecessor to the guillotine, is scheduled for replacement fifty years after its initial construction in 1974. The existing full-size oak replica has deteriorated due to rot and will be meticulously recreated as an exact bespoke copy. Traditional methods will be employed in its construction, adhering to historical accuracy. The original gibbet, a formidable structure of an axe blade and upright oak posts, first beheaded criminals in 1286. Its use persisted in Halifax longer than in other locations, with the final executions occurring in 1650.
The replica is situated near Gibbet Street, resting on the device's original stone base, which was rediscovered and preserved in the 1840s and is a Grade II listed structure. Historical records indicate the last execution involved John Wilkinson for stealing cloth. The local museum displays one of the original axe blades, and a nearby plaque commemorates the 52 known victims. The new replica will be crafted from green, unseasoned oak, utilizing traditional fixing techniques and the existing structural holes. After a year of air-drying, timber preservative will be applied to ensure its durability.
