Gallows Corner

Gallows Corner is a major road junction in Romford in Greater London, England. It was the site of the gallows of the Liberty of Havering, hence the name.

Gallows Corner
Gallows Corner
Location within Greater London
OS grid referenceTQ535905
• Charing Cross15.8 mi (25.4 km) SW
London borough
Ceremonial countyGreater London
Region
CountryEngland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townROMFORD
Postcode districtRM2, RM3
Dialling code01708
PoliceMetropolitan
FireLondon
AmbulanceLondon
UK Parliament
London Assembly

History

During the 18th century, Gallows Corner was a lonely country crossroads and a favourite spot for waylaying coaches. It was close to the site for the gallows, thought to have been located north of what is now Eastern Avenue (East), on a grassy stretch below Masefield Crescent. The place of execution was then the gallows at Gallows Corner. There are several entries in the Romford Registers of burials of felons who were executed there in the 16th and 17th centuries. Ravensbourne School, for children with special needs, stands on the site of the gaol where the condemned were held.

Junction

The current junction is a large roundabout with five exits and a flyover. The exits are:

Flyover

The flyover links Eastern Avenue (East) with the Southend Arterial Road. According to the Romford Recorder it was erected in 1970 By Terry and co, ; it takes the form of a system of prefabricated units (called the Braithwaite FliWay) that was cheaper and quicker to build than a conventional underpass or cast in-situ flyover.[1] It is notorious for being angular, with sudden changes of slope rather than a smooth arch. The flyover was closed for several months in 2008 for remedial work carried out to the road deck, with several sections replaced. It was found upon final inspection that the bridge parapets had suffered severe corrosion. The bridge was fitted with emergency barriers which meant that traffic was restricted to one lane in the London-bound (westbound) direction only. It has since re-opened for two-way traffic.[2]

Roundabout

The junction has an above-average number of collisions. Transport for London has put forward proposals to make the junction safer by changing the roundabout layout, adding new white lines and guidance markings, and extending the reduced speed limits on the approaches to the junction. Works were expected to start during spring 2018.[3]

In media

The junction is referred to in the film Layer Cake.

References
  1. Braithwaite & Co. Structural Limited (November 1971). "It's quicker and safer by the Braithwaite FliWay". The Journal of the Institution of Highway Engineers. p. 2. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
  2. "Gallows Corner flyover to open today - five weeks early". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012.
  3. "Gallows Corner Consultation Report".
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