NHER Number:3225
Type of record:Monument
Name:Pigg's Grave, Gallowhill Lane

Summary

Pigg's Grave is at a crossroads when three parishes meet. There are various theories about the origin of the name, including a outbreak of swine fever and a murder committed by a highwayman. However, the most likely explanation is that this was the site of a suicide's grave.


Grid Reference:TG 0280 3312
Map Sheet:TG03SW
Parish:MELTON CONSTABLE, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Monument Types

Full description

Probably a suicide burial at crossroads.
Was there also a gallows here? See also Gallowhill Lane adjacent.
Present mounds at crossroads are only due to road widening 1934 to 1935.
R.R. Clarke (NCM).

(S1) lists 2 theories; 1) the name comes from an outbreak of swine fever. But Pigg Lane in Norwich was earlier known as Pig Lane and altered at residents' request.
2) Mr Pigg was killed by a highwayman here; a tombstone to Mr Pigg was said to be in the churchyard.
This sounds like romanticism. Almost certainly a suicide grave.
E. Rose (NAU) 1976.

(S2) and (S3) in file.

Sources and further reading

---Secondary File:
S1Bibliographic reference: Bryant. Norfolk Churches.
S2Bibliographic reference: 1980. Eastern Daily Press. 6 November. 2.
S3Bibliographic reference: 1980. Eastern Daily Press. 25 November.

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