GYLES FREEMAN COVINGTON - SENTENCED TO DEATH - Why?

 One of the more infamous members of the Covington clan is Gyles. His skeleton can be seen today in an Oxford Museum but why did he die?

We know how he dies - hung by the neck at Oxford Prison - but what is the real story?

Research by Mark Davies has resulted in the publication of his book "The Abingdon Waterturnpike Murder" which can be yours to own & read for just £6.99 + £1.01 p&p.

Please send payment to Mark at 'Bill the Lizard', 12 Hythe Bridge Arm, Oxford Canal, Oxford, OX1 2TA.

If you would like to e-mail Mark with any information that would assist his study please do so at Towpathpress@btopenworld.com

Mention you reached him from this site and he might knock a bit off the price too!

"Very readable and entertaining … it left me hungry for more about Abingdon life in the 1790s. I enjoyed it immensely."

John Pilling, Principal Librarian, Oxfordshire County Council



"Wonderfully written and presented."

William Horwood, Oxford author



"The telling of [the story] is superb … As a snapshot of the seamier side of Abingdon life in the late eighteenth century this is a first-rate book."

Hugh Randoph, St Michael’s Parish Magazine, Abingdon



"An engrossing tale."

Gordon Rogers, Abingdon Herald



"Fascinating, well-researched, written in a lively engaging style … Altogether admirable."

Dr John Curtis, Oxford historian
 

 Copyright Martin H Covington 1956, updated 25 Ot 2003