Gibbet Hill from original picture at Royal Huts Hotel, Hindhead.

From Thursley Parish Magazine June 2019

The illustration depicts the three murderers of the unknown sailor hung in chains on Gibbet Hill.

”Placed in chains, and there close by The London Road to be hung on high... A sight more loathsome none could see.”

But did you know that the links used on the gallows to hang the murderous sailors were forged at Forge Cottage, dating back 700 years, here in Thursley? 

The Forge, was run by Uncle Tom Khan, his father and grandfather and, it is thought, was worked until the last decade of the 1800s.  The Hammer and other historically interesting items were acquired by Haslemere Museum. 

The forge, as it would have been at the time of the murder, is depicted in drawings done by Mr Khan. Popsy Holford, who lived at Forge Cottage for over 50 years, has allowed us to reproduce them here.

The Forge - outside

The Forge - inside

The Anvil

The blacksmith who made the chains and gibbet was Richard Court who is buried in Thursley churchyard and his headstone bears the inscription:

‘My Sledge and Hammer lie reclin’d,

My Bellows too have lost their wind;

My Fire is out, and Forge decay’s,

And in the Dust my Vice is laid.’