Legal Definitions - gwalstow

A gwalstow refers to a historical location specifically designated for the execution of criminals. This term is primarily used in historical contexts to describe places where capital punishment was carried out, often publicly, in past eras.

• Example 1: During the excavation for a new civic center in a European city, archaeologists unearthed foundations and artifacts consistent with a public execution ground from the 16th century. Historical town records further corroborated that this specific site had served as the primary gwalstow for the region for over two hundred years.

  Explanation: This example illustrates a gwalstow as a physically identifiable historical site, confirmed by both archaeological evidence and written records, where executions were historically performed.

• Example 2: In a historical novel set in medieval England, the author describes a desolate crossroads just outside the town walls, often referred to by the local populace as 'Hangman's Hill.' This location is depicted as the place where convicted felons met their end, serving as the community's grim gwalstow.

  Explanation: Here, the term describes a specific geographical feature known historically for its function as an execution site, even if its name has evolved, highlighting its role as a place of capital punishment.

• Example 3: A local historical society discovered ancient maps and charters detailing the layout of a 13th-century market town. These documents clearly marked a specific plot of land on the outskirts as 'The Gallows Green,' indicating its official purpose as the town's designated gwalstow for carrying out judicial sentences.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates how historical documentation, such as maps and charters, can identify a specific plot of land as a gwalstow, confirming its historical use as a site for executions.