Sarah
Hawkins Genealogy Site
Newspaper
Articles
Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 26 Aug 1846
Page 7 Column 4
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TAUNTON COURIER.
Sir, - I have read some remarks urging the usefulness of another Western entrance being formed in Taunton, or rather for improving the present bye way leading from the Shuttern Toll Gate towards Bath Place, and one reason given for so very desirable an improvement, is to avoid passing the County Prison – and Gallows! which through bad taste was planned to be occasionally used close to the main street, and in full view of several of the best houses in Wilton: also, on the direct line of way for entering the town where the road from Honiton, and Wellington join together. Tis dreadful to think the instrument of Death should thus publicly be raised in the heart of Taunton and shocked must be the feelings of a stranger who unconscious of what work is going on, is journeying with all expedition to reach the railway station, if his carriage arrive at any time “of the dread hour,” to find his further progress checked and he compelled to wait hemmed in by a mob of brutalized beings collected in this only street for entering the town, and he himself become an unwilling spectator of death in its most terrible form, surrounded by the Officers of Justice. It is not probable enacting such frightful tragedies in public situations may counteract the intentions of the Legislature, and rather tend to vitiate the minds of the surrounding population? Such punishment should be carried out in a more retired situation, where men must purposely go out of their way who wish to see a fellow-mortal die.
An improved road from the Shuttern Toll-gate to the Four Alls, might be made at a cost comparatively small for a public improvement of such vast importance. The line of houses on the right, behind the small turret-building can with it be purchased at a low figure; and if the brow of the road was lowered 3 to 4 feet will be the chief feature till[?] reaching the garden wall of Mr. HITCHCOCK: a new and wider bridge would be required, also a slice from the Crescent field, and then a fine open level road will take to the Four Alls, and once there, let us hope public spirit will do the rest; and while waiting till those unsightly arches are removed leading to Fore-street, the road would perforce be via Castle Green.