The Malefactors of Gore Cross

Client: Wiltshire Life Magazine

This is an illustration I recently completed for an article in Wiltshire Life Magazine. The article tells the story of the 'Malefactors of Gore Cross' (a group of highwaymen) and how they were apprehended.

The 'Robbers' Stone' at Gore Cross marks the spot of the robbery and carries the following inscription -

'At this spot, Mr Dean, of Imber, was Attacked and Robbed by Four Highwaymen, in the evening of October 21st 1839. After a spirited pursuit of three hours one of the Felons BENJAMIN COLCLOUGH fell Dead on Chitterne Down. THOMAS SAUNDERS, GEORGE WATERS, & RICHARD HARRIS, were eventually Captured and convicted at the ensuing Quarter Sessions at Devizes, and Transported for the term of Fifteen Years. This Monument is erected by Public Subscription as a warning to those who presumptuously think to escape the punishment God has threatened against Thieves and Robbers.'