Shadows of Justice Lane

The air was thick with the scent of history as I stepped onto Justice Lane, the starting point of the Frome Crime Walk. The cobblestones beneath my feet seemed to whisper tales of the past, tales of a time when justice was a murky concept, and the line between right and wrong was often blurred. Our guide, David Lassman, a local historian with a voice that carried the weight of centuries, began weaving a tapestry of stories that would unravel the dark history of this Somerset market town.

As we stood at the site of the Old Magistrates Court, I could almost hear the echoes of past judgments, the cries of the accused, and the stern voices of the magistrates. The tales of highwaymen and pickpockets painted a vivid picture of a town where crime was as much a part of life as the market stalls that lined its streets. The early forms of law and order, primitive yet fascinating, were brought to life through David’s words, setting the stage for the journey ahead.

The Haunting of The Blue Boar

Our next stop was the Blue Boar, a place where the past seemed to linger in the shadows. Though the old guardhouse no longer stood, its presence was felt through the stories of manslaughter, daring escapes, and infamous murders that unfolded in its vicinity. The photograph shown by David was a window into a time when the town was a hotbed of criminal activity, and the law was a fragile thread holding society together.

The diaries of Isaac Gregory, a nineteenth-century constable, were like whispers from the past, offering glimpses into the life of a man who walked these very streets, enforcing a law that was still finding its feet. As excerpts were read aloud, I felt a connection to the constable, a man who, like me, was drawn to the stories hidden within the urban landscape.

Echoes of St John the Baptist Church

The final leg of our journey took us to St John the Baptist Church, a place where the town’s history seemed to converge. The founding of the town and the establishment of the original Saxon church were tales of reform and redemption, of outlaws and criminals seeking solace within the sacred walls. The ‘blind house,’ the town’s original lock-up, stood as a silent witness to the struggles between law and lawlessness.

As we delved into the stories of religious rebels and the beginnings of non-conformity, I was reminded of the hidden gems I’ve uncovered in my own explorations, the forgotten corners where history and architecture intertwine. The vicar who penned a book on witchcraft, indirectly influencing the Salem Witch Trials, was a testament to the far-reaching impact of this small town’s history.

The Frome Crime Walk was more than just a tour; it was a journey into the soul of a town, a place where the past and present coexist in a delicate dance. As I left Somerset, the stories of Frome lingered in my mind, a reminder of the power of history to shape our understanding of the world.