from

£18

Frome
Somerset

1-14
people

price for
1 participant

1 hour
30 minutes

• Explore Frome's Dark History on a Guided Walking Tour
• Join a 90-Minute Journey Through Frome’s Infamous Crimes
• Uncover the Most Infamous Deaths in Frome's Historical Tour

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Dive into the tantalizingly dark history of Frome with an unforgettable guided tour that uncovers the town’s most notorious tales. This immersive experience is perfect for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about the spookier side of this charming Somerset market town. Join a knowledgeable local historian as stories of crime, scandal, and legendary mischief come to life against the backdrop of Frome's historic streets.

The tour begins at Justice Lane, the aptly named starting point that sets the stage for a thrilling exploration. Wander through the locations where infamous gangs like the Maggs-Sparrow operated, and hear about the local heroes and villains who have shaped the town's past. This engaging 90-minute walk delves into illuminating tales of old crimes, policing from parish constables to the town’s own police force, and details about significant events like the Monmouth Rebellion and the notorious election riots. Expect plenty of intriguing anecdotes that pull back the curtain on Frome's shadowy corners and its captivating characters.

This guided tour makes for a distinctive gift idea for anyone fascinated by history or thrill-seeking experiences. Whether to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or a spontaneous gift for a curious friend, the excursion offers a unique way to share the darker side of Frome. Create unforgettable memories while exploring the enigma that lies beneath the surface of this historic town.

Experience Overview:

Guided Tour Of Frome's Dark History

Based on the books Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths in and Around Frome and The Awful Killing of Sarah Watts, the walk begins at the appropriately named Justice Lane, and reveals the darker side of this Somerset market town. Visit the sites of fatal crimes and infamous robberies, learn about policing from parish constables to the town’s own police force, and follow in the footsteps of various infamous local villains, such as the notorious Maggs-Sparrow gang and Frome Bob.
Led by local historian and author David Lassman. it's a 90 minute walk.

Meeting Point

25 Justice Ln

25 Justice Ln, Frome BA11 1BB, UK

Meet on the pavement of Justice Lane, by the car park, and opposite the courtyard of the Black Swan cafe. Your guide will ask anyone standing on the pavement if they have come for the tour.

What's included:

Experienced personal guide

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Justice Lane

Justice Ln, Frome BA11, UK

We begin this tour at the site of the Old Magistrates court – hence the name Justice Lane. Many forms of crime were rife during past centuries in Frome, and this first stop will cover several, including Highwaymen and pickpockets, as well as outlining early forms of law and order. A brief history of the town will also be given, to put the tour into context.

15 minutes

The Blue Boar

The Blue Boar, 15 Market Pl, Frome BA11 1AN, UK

OLD GUARDHOUSE (next to the Blue Boar) The old Guardhouse no longer exists (a photograph is shown) but is a good place to discuss several crimes that occurred in the area, including a manslaughter, a daring escape & one of the town’s most infamous murders, investigated by a colleague of (The Suspicions of) Mr Whicher. Also, the diaries of Issac Gregory (a nineteenth century constable) are introduced with excerpts read out).

20 minutes

Market Place

Market Pl, Frome BA11, UK

MARKET PLACE (by the fountain) From this central point, some of the major incidents in Frome’s history are revealed. These include the Monmouth Rebellion (1685), Battle of Frome (1816), Election riot of 1832, and the pitched battle between the locals and the Salvation Army in 1884! Also covered will be stocks & pillory, the Maggs-Sparrow Gang and details about ‘The Bloody Code’ of the Regency Period.

10 minutes

St John the Baptist Church

Church Street, Frome, BA11 1PL

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH (Bath Street) The founding of the town is covered along with the reason behind the establishment of the original Saxon church (to ‘reform’ the outlaws and criminals hiding out in Selwood Forest) The first professional police force in Frome (in 1856) is discussed and we visit the ‘blind house’ – the town’s original lock-up. Also, we discuss the religious rebels of the seventeenth century, the beginning of non-conformity in the town and the vicar who wrote one of the most influential books on witchcraft and was indirectly responsible for the Salem Witch Trials in America.

15 minutes

Rook Lane Arts

Bath St, Rook Lane Chapel, Frome

ROOK LANE CHAPEL (at its entrance) A brief stop to continue the story of religious nonconformity and its persecution during the seventeenth century within Frome.

15 minutes

Christchurch Street West

Christchurch St W, Frome BA11, UK

CHRISTCHURCH STREET WEST (by Rook Lane House) On this final stop, we look over to Gorehedge, to discuss the fate of several Monmouth Rebels, as well as look across to the original Frome Police Station, which was built in 1857 to accommodate the town’s first professional police force.

15 minutes