We take a moment to share the fascinating history of one of Romford’s most well-known junctions, before its flyover and beyond its previous dark past as gallows for criminals.
The tale of Gallows Corner‘s very own highwayman has been preserved in an extract from the Ipswich Journal by The British Library Board.
It recalls an incident on January 19, 1769, when a coach was brought to a stop opposite the gallows by a lone young man.
It is understood that there were two passengers inside at the time of the early morning ambush, recorded as having taken place at around 7am.
The man was described to be “well-dressed” with light hair tied back, and saddled upon a bay horse.
He is reported to have looked no more than 19-years-old.
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According to the entry, the highwayman appeared not to be used to the “profession”, as he “trembled much at presenting his pistol”.
The two men inside were reportedly robbed of money, with two guineas taken from one and thirty-two shillings from the other.
Both the men were wearing watches, though these were left alone in the highwayman’s robbery.
