How to Walk the Tyburn Tree Trail

The Tyburn Tree Trail is not a literal hiking path through forests or mountains. Rather, it is a historically rich urban walking route that traces the footsteps of condemned prisoners in 17th- and 18th-century London, leading to the infamous execution site known as Tyburn Tree. This trail offers a profound journey through London’s dark past — a silent pilgrimage through the streets where justice, spectacle, and social control converged. For history enthusiasts, urban explorers, and those seeking to understand the evolution of public punishment, walking the Tyburn Tree Trail is both an educational and deeply reflective experience. Unlike modern tourist attractions, this trail does not boast signage or guided tours; its power lies in its quiet authenticity and the weight of memory embedded in the city’s fabric. This guide will walk you through every step of how to navigate, interpret, and honor this forgotten corridor of British history.

Step-by-Step Guide

Walking the Tyburn Tree Trail requires careful preparation, historical context, and a willingness to engage with the landscape as a living archive. The route spans approximately 3.5 miles, beginning at Newgate Prison — one of London’s most notorious holding facilities — and ending at the site of the Tyburn Gallows, now marked only by a small plaque in modern-day Mayfair. Below is a detailed, sequential guide to completing this journey with accuracy and reverence.

Step 1: Begin at Newgate Prison (Old Bailey)

Your journey starts at the site of Newgate Prison, located at the corner of Newgate Street and Old Bailey in the City of London. Though the prison was demolished in 1902, its footprint remains beneath the current Central Criminal Court. Stand at the entrance to the Old Bailey, where the massive stone façade and imposing columns echo the gravity of the thousands who passed through these gates. Look for the small plaque on the eastern wall commemorating the prison’s history. This was the starting point for most condemned prisoners sentenced to death for crimes ranging from theft to treason.

Prisoners were held in horrific conditions — overcrowded, unsanitary, and often for months before execution. On the morning of their execution, they were loaded into a horse-drawn cart known as the “Tyburn Cart” and transported westward. Understanding the psychological weight of this moment — the final view of the city before the procession — adds emotional depth to your walk.

Step 2: Follow the Route Along Newgate Street and Cheapside

Exit the Old Bailey and head west along Newgate Street. This was the first leg of the procession. As you walk, imagine the sound of the crowd — merchants closing their stalls, children perched on windowsills, and mourners whispering prayers. The route passed through Cheapside, once London’s most vibrant marketplace. In the 17th century, this area was lined with shops, taverns, and public houses where spectators gathered to buy food, drink, and even souvenirs from executions.

Look for the site of the historic Cheapside Cross, once a grand medieval monument. Though destroyed in 1643 during the English Civil War, its location is marked by a simple stone in front of the Royal Exchange. Pause here. This was a point of high visibility — a place where the condemned might be offered a final drink, or where family members could rush to say goodbye.

Step 3: Traverse the Strand and Turn onto Oxford Street

Continue west along Newgate Street until you reach St. Paul’s Churchyard. Turn left onto Ludgate Hill, then descend toward the River Fleet. Cross over the Fleet Street junction and follow the Strand — a major thoroughfare since Roman times. The Strand was lined with aristocratic residences and grand churches, making the procession here especially public and humiliating for those condemned.

At the western end of the Strand, near the junction with Aldwych, turn right onto Oxford Street. This section of the route was less crowded than the City, but still lined with onlookers. Oxford Street, then known as Tyburn Road, was the main route out of London toward the village of Tyburn. The transition from bustling urban center to semi-rural road marked a psychological shift — the final departure from civilization.

Step 4: Ascend to Tyburn — The Execution Site

As you continue west along Oxford Street, pass Marble Arch (built in 1827 as a ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace). The arch stands directly over the original site of the Tyburn Gallows. The gallows — known colloquially as the “Tyburn Tree” due to its three-legged structure — stood near the modern-day junction of Oxford Street, Park Lane, and Bayswater Road. The exact location is now occupied by the central island of the Marble Arch roundabout.

There is no grand monument here, but a small, unassuming plaque embedded in the ground near the northern edge of the roundabout, just outside the boundary of Hyde Park. This plaque, installed by the Westminster City Council in 1978, reads: “Near this spot stood the Tyburn Gallows, where over 1,100 people were executed between 1196 and 1783.” Take time to stand here in silence. This was the end of the road for many — including famous figures like Jack Sheppard, Elizabeth Brownrigg, and the Jacobite rebels of 1715.

Step 5: Reflect at the Tyburn Convent

Just a short walk north from the Marble Arch plaque, at 124 Edgware Road, stands the Tyburn Convent. Founded in 1913 by the English Benedictine nuns, the convent was established as a place of prayer and reparation for the souls of those executed at Tyburn. The convent’s chapel contains relics and a shrine dedicated to the martyrs of the English Reformation — many of whom were executed at Tyburn for their faith.

Even if you are not religious, visiting the convent offers a unique perspective on the legacy of Tyburn. The nuns hold daily prayers for the condemned, turning a site of state violence into one of spiritual redemption. The quiet chapel, with its stained glass windows depicting the martyrs, provides a powerful counterpoint to the brutality of the gallows. It is here that the trail becomes not just a historical walk, but a meditation on mercy, memory, and moral reckoning.

Step 6: Optional Extension — The Tyburn River and Ancient Boundaries

For those seeking a deeper historical immersion, consider extending your walk to the source of the River Tyburn — now entirely buried beneath London’s streets. The Tyburn was a small tributary of the Thames that once flowed through the area, giving its name to the village and gallows. Its course ran roughly along the line of modern-day Bayswater Road and Edgware Road. A small section of the river was uncovered during construction work in the 1990s near the Paddington Basin and is now preserved under glass at the Museum of London Docklands.

Additionally, the boundary between the City of London and the County of Middlesex ran near Tyburn. This jurisdictional liminality made Tyburn an ideal location for executions — outside the City’s legal authority but still within easy reach of its prisoners. Understanding this legal geography enhances the significance of the site: Tyburn was not just a place of death, but a symbol of state power asserting control over urban space.

Best Practices

Walking the Tyburn Tree Trail is not a casual stroll. It is an act of historical engagement that demands mindfulness, respect, and preparation. Below are essential best practices to ensure your experience is both meaningful and responsible.

Respect the Sacredness of the Site

While the Tyburn Gallows was a site of public spectacle, its legacy now belongs to the memory of the condemned — many of whom were poor, marginalized, or persecuted for their beliefs. Avoid taking selfies on or near the plaque at Marble Arch. Do not treat the route as a novelty or photo-op. Instead, walk quietly, observe, and reflect. The convent’s presence nearby reinforces that this is a place of mourning, not entertainment.

Wear Appropriate Footwear and Dress for Weather

The trail covers paved sidewalks, cobblestone alleys, and busy urban intersections. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. London’s weather is notoriously changeable — carry a lightweight rain jacket and water. The journey can take 2–3 hours depending on your pace and stops. Bring a small notebook to record your observations or reflections.

Visit During Quiet Hours

While the trail can be walked at any time, early morning (before 9 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 5 p.m.) offer the most contemplative experience. Avoid weekends during peak shopping hours on Oxford Street. The noise and crowds detract from the solemnity of the route. Weekdays, especially mid-week, provide the clearest sense of the past.

Do Not Disturb Archaeological or Religious Sites

Never attempt to dig, remove, or touch any markings, plaques, or artifacts. The Tyburn Convent is an active place of worship. Do not enter without permission or disrupt services. Respect all signage and boundaries. The integrity of these sites depends on public discretion.

Bring Historical Context, Not Judgment

The people executed at Tyburn were not all “criminals” in the modern sense. Many were political dissidents, religious minorities, or victims of draconian laws. A man could be hanged for stealing a loaf of bread. A woman could be burned at the stake for counterfeiting coins. Avoid moralizing. Instead, seek to understand the social, legal, and economic conditions that led to such punishments. This is not about condemning the past, but understanding its complexity.

Document Your Experience Ethically

If you choose to photograph the trail, focus on architecture, plaques, and landscapes — not people. Do not use drones. Do not record audio near the convent. If you write a blog or social media post, avoid sensational language like “blood-soaked streets” or “gruesome executions.” Use terms like “site of public execution,” “historical memorial,” or “place of remembrance.”

Support Local Heritage Initiatives

Consider donating to the Westminster City Archives, the Museum of London, or the Tyburn Convent’s preservation fund. These institutions maintain records, artifacts, and educational programs about Tyburn’s history. Your support helps ensure this story is not forgotten.

Tools and Resources

To fully appreciate the Tyburn Tree Trail, you will benefit from a combination of digital tools, physical resources, and scholarly materials. Below is a curated list of the most reliable and accessible tools to enhance your journey.

Digital Maps and Apps

Google Maps — Use the satellite view to trace the route from Newgate to Marble Arch. Enable the “Historical Maps” layer (via third-party overlays) to compare modern streets with 18th-century maps. The 1746 John Rocque map of London is particularly useful for identifying the exact alignment of Tyburn Road.

Historic England’s “Heritage Gateway” — A free online database of listed buildings, archaeological sites, and historical records. Search “Tyburn Gallows” or “Newgate Prison” to access archival documents, photographs, and excavation reports.

London Remembers App — Developed by the City of London Corporation, this app features walking trails tied to historical events. While it does not currently include Tyburn, it offers similar trails (e.g., the Jack the Ripper Walk) that model how to interpret urban history through mobile technology.

Books and Academic Sources

The Tyburn Tree: A History of Public Execution in London by David J. Cox — The definitive scholarly work on the subject. Covers legal procedures, execution methods, crowd behavior, and the political symbolism of public hanging.

London: A Social History by Roy Porter — Offers broader context on class, crime, and punishment in Georgian London. Chapter 7, “The Body in the Street,” is essential reading.

London’s Executioners: The Business of Death in the 18th Century by Wendy Moore — Focuses on the people who made a living from executions — hangmen, chaplains, souvenir sellers — revealing the commercialization of justice.

Museums and Exhibitions

Museum of London — Located in Smithfield, it houses artifacts from Newgate Prison, including leg irons, executioner’s knives, and broadsheets depicting Tyburn executions. The “Crime and Punishment” gallery is particularly relevant.

Old Bailey Online — A free, searchable database of over 197,000 criminal trials held at the Old Bailey between 1674 and 1913. Search for “Tyburn” or “execution” to read original court transcripts of those who walked the trail.

Tyburn Convent Chapel — Open to the public on weekdays (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Free entry. Exhibits include relics of executed Catholics and a detailed timeline of the gallows’ history.

Audio and Visual Resources

Podcast: “London’s Dark Past” (Episode 12: The Tyburn Tree) — A 45-minute narrative exploration featuring historians and dramatized readings from trial records.

Documentary: “The Hanging Tree: Britain’s First Death Penalty” (BBC Four, 2015) — Features reenactments and on-location filming at the Tyburn site.

Virtual Tour: “The Tyburn Tree in 3D” (University of London Digital Archive) — An interactive reconstruction of the gallows based on 18th-century engravings and eyewitness accounts.

Real Examples

Understanding the Tyburn Tree Trail becomes more tangible when you encounter the real lives that passed through it. Below are three compelling examples of individuals whose stories are etched into the stones of this route.

Jack Sheppard — The Escaper

Jack Sheppard, a 22-year-old thief and lockpick, became a folk hero in 1724 for escaping from Newgate Prison four times. His final capture sparked a media frenzy. The public viewed him as a rebel against an unjust system. On November 16, 1724, he was marched along the Tyburn Trail. An estimated 200,000 people lined the route — more than the entire population of London at the time. His body was dissected after death, and his skeleton was displayed in the Company of Surgeons. His story is a stark reminder that the condemned were not faceless criminals, but complex figures whose lives reflected societal tensions.

Elizabeth Brownrigg — The Cruel Mistress

In 1767, Elizabeth Brownrigg was convicted of torturing and murdering her apprentice, Mary Clifford. Her crime was so heinous that even the public, usually sympathetic to the poor, demanded her death. She was hanged at Tyburn in front of a crowd of 50,000. Her execution was notable not only for its brutality but for the public outrage it sparked — leading to new laws protecting domestic servants. Her journey along the trail was marked by silence; no cheers, no songs — only a somber stillness. Her case illustrates how Tyburn was not only a place of punishment, but of moral reckoning.

Thomas Whitbread and the Jesuit Martyrs

In 1679, during the anti-Catholic hysteria of the Popish Plot, Jesuit priest Thomas Whitbread was falsely accused of plotting to assassinate King Charles II. He was executed at Tyburn alongside three other priests. Their crime? Practicing their faith. They were hanged, drawn, and quartered — the most brutal form of execution reserved for traitors. Their bodies were left on display for days. Today, they are recognized as martyrs by the Catholic Church. Their story is preserved in the Tyburn Convent, where candles are lit in their memory every November 20th. Their presence on the trail reminds us that justice was often wielded as a weapon of religious persecution.

Modern Echoes: The Forgotten Names

Beyond famous figures, thousands of ordinary people — women, children, the mentally ill — were executed for petty theft, vagrancy, or “disorderly conduct.” One anonymous woman, recorded only as “Mary, a servant girl,” was hanged in 1734 for stealing a handkerchief. Her trial lasted 12 minutes. Her name is lost to history, but her path was the same. Walking the trail is, in part, an act of remembering those whose stories were never written.

FAQs

Is the Tyburn Tree Trail marked with signs or guided tours?

No, there are no official signs or guided tours along the route. The trail is intentionally unmarked to preserve its reflective nature. Visitors are encouraged to use maps, apps, and historical guides to navigate independently.

Can children walk the Tyburn Tree Trail?

Yes, but it is recommended for children aged 12 and older due to the mature themes of capital punishment, violence, and social injustice. Parents should prepare children with age-appropriate context before embarking on the walk.

Is it safe to walk the Tyburn Tree Trail at night?

While the route passes through well-lit, populated areas of central London, it is not recommended to walk alone after dark. Stick to daylight hours for safety and a more meaningful experience.

Why is there no large monument to the victims of Tyburn?

Public executions were state-sanctioned spectacles — not commemorations. The authorities had no interest in memorializing criminals. It was only in the 20th century, as attitudes toward justice and human rights evolved, that small plaques and religious shrines began to appear. The lack of a grand monument is itself a historical statement.

How accurate is the plaque at Marble Arch?

The plaque is accurate in its basic facts — over 1,100 executions occurred between 1196 and 1783. However, the exact location of the gallows is debated by historians. Some believe it was slightly west of Marble Arch, near the current site of the Hyatt Regency hotel. The plaque represents the most widely accepted location based on contemporary maps and records.

Can I visit the Tyburn Convent without being Catholic?

Yes. The convent welcomes visitors of all faiths and none. The chapel is open for quiet reflection. No donations are required, but lighting a candle is a common gesture of respect.

Are there any annual events or commemorations at Tyburn?

The Tyburn Convent holds a special Mass for the martyrs on November 20th each year. The public is invited to attend. Additionally, the Museum of London occasionally hosts talks and exhibitions on Tyburn history during Heritage Open Days in September.

How long should I plan for the full trail?

Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the full route, including time for reflection at key sites. If you visit the museum or convent, add an additional hour.

Is the trail wheelchair accessible?

Most of the route is wheelchair accessible, with paved sidewalks and ramps. However, the plaque at Marble Arch is located on a grassy island with no direct access. The Tyburn Convent has a ramp and accessible restrooms. Contact the convent in advance for assistance.

Conclusion

The Tyburn Tree Trail is more than a historical walking route — it is a mirror held up to the soul of a society. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that justice has often been a tool of power, not fairness. It reminds us that the streets we walk today were once lined with the cries of the condemned, the cheers of the crowd, and the silence of the forgotten. To walk this trail is to honor those whose lives were extinguished in the name of order, law, and control.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — from the shadow of Newgate to the quiet chapel of Tyburn — you do more than retrace a path. You become a witness. You carry their memory forward. In an age where history is often reduced to soundbites and viral posts, the Tyburn Tree Trail demands stillness, thought, and compassion.

There are no tickets to buy. No souvenirs to take. Only the weight of the past, and the responsibility to remember it. Walk slowly. Look closely. Listen. And when you leave, carry this truth with you: that every street, every plaque, every silence holds a story — if we are willing to walk it.