William Parkinson and the gibbet on Turkey Nab

I reckon Turkey Nab must be one of the steepest hill climbs in Cleveland. It’s one of those routes where vehicles can be driven without tarmac, which makes it popular with 4WD enthusiasts. But for cyclists, it’s a different story altogether. That loose gravel turns it into a proper challenge. This high moorland route has been around since ancient times, linking Ingleby Greenhow to Farndale, Bransdale, and Kirbymoorside.

Now, Turkey Nab has got absolutely nothing to do with those American-imported birds since the 16th century. Turns out, it probably comes from the Danish word, Törke, meaning drought¹‘Reviews,’ York Herald – Friday 04 April 1884 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000499/18840404/030/0007.

On the nab itself—that’s the nose—there is now a cairn. But back in the day, a gibbet once stood. In 1729, William Parkinson met his end there, the last to swing on the gallows for murder. They would have left his carcass hanging in chains as a bit of a warning to others. But Sir William Foulis of Ingleby Manor could see it from his pile, so he ordered it taken down²Ingleby Greenhow Heritage Leaflet. Kirby, Great Broughton & lngleby Greenhaw Local History Group. www.kgbighistory.org.uk.

• 1
  ‘Reviews,’ York Herald – Friday 04 April 1884 https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000499/18840404/030/0007
• 2
  Ingleby Greenhow Heritage Leaflet. Kirby, Great Broughton & lngleby Greenhaw Local History Group. www.kgbighistory.org.uk