Landmark In Whitley Bay, Tyne And Wear
A plaque marking the site of a gibbet where Michael Curry was chained for murder.
It would be a rare occurrence to find a native to the North East who hasn't visited St Mary's Lighthouse. It's such a prominent feature of our coastline with its tidal causeway, rock pools and a menagerie or birds and seals.
But did you know that there used to be a gibbet nearby?
A naughty chap called Michael Curry, who was a local glassworker, must have had a falling out to the landlord of the Three Horseshoes Inn, in Hartley on the 4th September 1739.
Curry was accused of his murder, hanged in Newcastle and true to custom in those days, was hung from a gibbet from this very spot, hence the name Curry's Point.
The plaque reads - On 4th September 1739 Michael Curry was executed for the murder of Landlord of the Three Horseshoes Inn, Hartley. His body was afterwards hung in chains from a gibbet at this spot, within sight of the scene of his crime. Ever since that gruesome event this headland has been known as Curry's Point. Erected 4th September 1989 to mark the 250th anniversary.
Canny view though!
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What three words
meant.slower.drums
Lat / Long
55.069467, -1.452236
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There is a dedicated car park for St Mary's Lighthouse right next to the plaque.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue Pele tower up a remote hill or a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
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A replica of the gibbet used to display the body of the murderer William Winter.
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