Dead Man's Plack

Dead Man's Plack is a stone cross monument on a pedestal located within Harewood Forest near Longparish. The inscriptions carved into its surface document a medieval event connected to royal history and death.

The monument was built in 1825 to mark the location of an event from 963 connected to Saxon royal history. Its construction in the 19th century shows how a medieval incident remained significant enough to require formal commemoration.

This monument marks a turning point in Saxon history that shaped local folklore and royal politics of the time. Visitors can sense how a single event became embedded in the landscape and passed down through centuries.

The monument is accessible via walking paths through the forest with parking near the trail entrance. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the woodland terrain is uneven and can be muddy depending on the season.

The inscription on the north face explicitly credits Colonel William Iremonger as the builder, directly linking modern preservation with medieval records. This is unusual because most monuments of this age tend to focus on the historical event rather than naming the person who built the memorial.

Location: Longparish

Inception: 1825

GPS coordinates: 51.20120,-1.42750

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43