The Northern Circuit covered the counties of Cumberland, Durham, Lancashire, Northumberland, Westmorland and Yorkshire, together with the County of the City of York and the Counties of the towns of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Kingston-upon-Hull. A total of 451 executions took place over this 65 year period. Berwick is included with this circuit.
2 confirmed executions have been traced from death sentences at Quarter Sessions.
The Assizes were held only in the Summer and always at Carlisle. 121 death sentences were passed and these led to 22 confirmed and 3 probable executions for civil crimes, which took place at Gallows Hill, Harraby near Carlisle. A Special Commission of Gaol Delivery was held at Carlisle following the Jacobite Rising in 1745. The Grand Jury met for the first time on 12th August 1746 and the actual trials beginning on Tuesday, 9th September. These led to a further 33 executions.
The Assizes were held only in the Summer and always at Durham. 127 people were sentenced to death of whom 24 people were hanged at Dryburn.
Assizes were held twice a year in both Lent and Summer and always at Lancaster. 297 death sentences led to 78 executions, which were carried out on Lancaster Moor. One further hanging was carried out at Bolton Moor.
The Assizes were held only in the Summer and always at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Additionally, Assizes were held for the County of the Town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne simultaneously with the shire Assizes. 168 death sentences were passed which resulted in 44 executions.
Assizes were held only in the Summer and always at Appleby. 34 death sentences led to 6 executions.
Assizes were held in both Lent and Summer for both Yorkshire and the County of the City of York. Additionally, Assizes were held from time to time for the County of the Town of Kinston-upon-Hull. These latter were opened a few days before the move to York in the years 1736, 1745, 1751, 1761, 1764, 1768, 1772, 1775, 1778, 1781, 1784, 1787, 1789 and 1794. 703 death sentences led to 217 executions. York executions were carried out at Knavesmire, on what is now York race course.
A Special Commission of Gaol Delivery was held at York following the Jacobite Rising in 1745 – the Grand Jury meeting for the first time on 20th August and the actual trials beginning on Thursday, 2nd October. These resulted in a further 22 executions.
For other court circuits, see English and Welsh Executions 1735-1799 by Court Circuit.
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