An interesting early 19th century engraving of the Halifax Gibbet which was drawn by N. Whittock (from an original sketch by Wencelaus Hollar), engraved by J. Rogers and published in Thomas Allen’s A new and complete History of the County of York (London: I. T. Hinton, 1831).
The Halifax Gibbet was an early guillotine, or decapitating machine, used in the town of Halifax, West Yorkshire. It was probably installed in the 16th century as an alternative to beheading by axe or sword. It was used on any thief who had been convicted of stealing goods to the value of 13½d or more. By 1650, public opinion considered decapitation for theft an excessive form of punishment leading to its practice being banned by Oliver Cromwell. The gibbet was subsequently dismantled but in 1974 a non working replica was erected on the original site.
- This is an original steel engraving with later hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 15.5cms by 11.2cms (including title & imprint).
- The engraving is in very good condition with excellent margins. Click on image for a better view.
- The item comes displayed in a ready to frame acid free mount.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 180 years old.
