Halifax gibbet law

Under the old custom of the liberty of Halifax, a thief taken with stolen goods was tried before the accuser and local representatives, with no oaths sworn, and if found guilty was beheaded on the Halifax gibbet on the next market day. A condemned man who could outrun the constable beyond the liberty was safe, though he might lose his head if he ever came back. The last execution was in 1650, after which the custom lapsed.