Record Details

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.

Images - none

Location

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

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.

See (S2) in file.

Monument Types

  • GALLOWS (Unknown date)
  • INHUMATION (Unknown date)

Associated Finds - none

Protected Status - none

Sources and further reading

---Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
---Secondary File: Secondary File.
---Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Miscellaneous. Melton Constable.
<S1>Monograph: Bryant, T. H. 1902. Hundred of Holt. The Churches of Norfolk. Vol IX. p 109.
<S2>Newspaper Article: Eastern Daily Press. 1980. [Letters to the editor regarding Pigg's Grave, Gallowhill Lane].

Related records - none

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