Martyrs’ site earmarked for new homes

A campaign has been launched to preserve the site where three Catholics were martyred more than 400 years ago, writes Paul Wilkinson.

Gallows Hill on the edge of Warwick was once the scene of pilgrimages to honour William Freeman, John Sugar and Robert Grissold. But today the site – now known as Strawberry Field – is earmarked for a 250-home development that is opposed by locals. Freeman was ordained in France and on his return to England was arrested in Stratford-upon-Avon and hung, drawn and quartered at Gallows Hill on August 13, 1595. He was beatified in 1929.

In 1603 Sugar, who was also priest, and his companion Grissold, were accused of attending Catholic Masses and were both condemned to death. Grissold’s body is believed to have been buried beside his gallows.

Philip Batt, a campaigner who has lodged a formal objection to the development, said: “It is unbelievable that anyone should even contemplate covering the site of the gallows and Grissold’s grave with houses,” adding that a memorial should be erected to Grissold on the field.