The Gallows Pole

The Gallows Pole tells the story of David Hartley and the Cragg Vale Coiners in 18th century Yorkshire. Set against the backdrop of England's industrial revolution, this historical novel follows a group of coin clippers who operate an illegal counterfeiting operation in the isolated valleys of the Pennine hills. Based on real events, the narrative centers on "King" David Hartley, who leads a band of weavers-turned-counterfeiters as they clip gold coins and create counterfeit currency. The story captures the harsh realities of rural life during a time of rapid social and economic change, when traditional ways of life faced extinction. The novel documents the relationships between the coiners, local authorities, and the rural communities that both support and fear their activities. Through multiple perspectives and historical documents, it reconstructs a complex network of power, loyalty, and survival in pre-industrial England. At its core, The Gallows Pole examines themes of class warfare, the nature of criminality, and the human cost of progress. The book raises questions about who holds true power - those who make the laws, or those who break them in order to survive.

Readers describe the book as a raw, unflinching look at 18th century Yorkshire life through the story of the coin clipping gang. The dialogue written in Yorkshire dialect creates authenticity but poses reading challenges for some. Readers appreciated: - Detailed historical research and period accuracy - Rich descriptions of the Yorkshire landscape - Complex moral questions about poverty and crime - Strong sense of time and place Common criticisms: - Dense Yorkshire dialect requires frequent rereading - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Violence and brutality feel excessive to some - Multiple character perspectives can be confusing Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,500+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.3/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) "Like a Yorkshire Deadwood" - Goodreads review "Beautiful but brutal" - Amazon reviewer "The dialect nearly made me quit, but I'm glad I persisted" - LibraryThing review

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🔹 The novel is based on the true story of the "Cragg Vale Coiners," a gang of 18th-century counterfeiters who operated in Yorkshire's Calder Valley, clipping coins and creating counterfeit currency during a time of economic hardship. 🔹 Author Benjamin Myers conducted extensive research in local archives and spent time exploring the Yorkshire landscape where the story takes place, often walking the same paths his characters would have traveled. 🔹 The book's protagonist, "King" David Hartley, was a real historical figure who was executed in 1770 for his role in leading the counterfeiting operation. 🔹 The novel won the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction in 2018, making Myers the youngest ever recipient of this prestigious award. 🔹 The story has been adapted into a film titled "The Gallows Pole" by acclaimed director Shane Meadows, scheduled for release on BBC in 2023, marking Meadows' first period drama.