Dead Man's Plack
A woodland monument marking the legendary site of King Edgar's assassination, offering a unique historical walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for woodland exploration
Dead Man's Plack
Best Time
Best for woodland exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A woodland monument marking the legendary site of King Edgar's assassination, offering a unique historical walk.
"A bizarre and spooky plinth in the middle of the woods! What a fun walk this is."
🎯 Follow the Right Path
Take the footpath halfway down the lane, cross fields, then follow the green sign for the permissible footpath through private land.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk involves crossing fields and navigating forest paths, so sturdy footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4 · 7 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monument
Middle of the woods
A bizarre and spooky plinth in the woods, marking the legendary site of King Edgar's assassination.
Woodland Walk
Woods near Wherwell
An enjoyable walk through the woods, perfect for families looking for a destination with a touch of mystery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Dead Man's Plack
Understanding the Legend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Follow the Right Path
Take the footpath halfway down the lane, cross fields, then follow the green sign for the permissible footpath through private land.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk involves crossing fields and navigating forest paths, so sturdy footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
It's a unique and slightly eerie spot, especially the first time you see the plinth. Enjoy the atmosphere!
👨👩👧👦 Great for Kids
A fun destination for children, offering a bit of history and a sense of adventure in the woods. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Follow the Right Path
Take the footpath halfway down the lane, cross fields, then follow the green sign for the permissible footpath through private land.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk involves crossing fields and navigating forest paths, so sturdy footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
🌳 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
It's a unique and slightly eerie spot, especially the first time you see the plinth. Enjoy the atmosphere!
👨👩👧👦 Great for Kids
A fun destination for children, offering a bit of history and a sense of adventure in the woods. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Dead Man's Plack to be an interesting historical site with a compelling legend. The woodland walk to the monument is generally enjoyed, especially by families. Some note the walk can be longer than expected depending on the starting point, and clear navigation is important.
"Interesting history . The memorial was put up by the Iremongers who lived in Wherwell priory . They took the names of Elfrida and Athelwold into the family and several descendants have been named after them"
Alison Palmer
"The Saxon King Edgar I of England sent his most trusted real, Æthelwald, to meet Ælfthryth the daughter of the Earl of Devonshire to assess her suitability as a wife and queen but the Earl fell immediately in love with her and married her himself. When he returned to court he told the king that she was totally unsuitable and did not reveal his marriage but the king found out through court gossip and arranged a hunt in Harewood forest and invited the Earl, murdering him with a spear at this spot and taking Ælfthryth as his wife and queen.
To get to the spot you need to take the footpath half way down the lane and cross the fields up into the forest (the other footpaths that go directly into the forest don't take you here) Follow the path through the forest and you will see a green sign pointing to the left saying permissible footpath to the monument through private land. Follow this to the monument"
DJIRL73
"Long walk if you follow signs shown I.e from lay-by opposite Paws Dogwalk entrance"
Roger Yates
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Dead Man's Plack, take the footpath halfway down the lane, cross the fields into the forest, and look for a green sign pointing left. This leads to a permissible footpath through private land to the monument. Starting from the lay-by opposite Paws Dogwalk entrance can result in a longer walk.
While you can drive to nearby access points, the final approach to the monument is on foot via footpaths and through private land.
Follow the specific footpath instructions mentioned in Reddit tips. Look for the green sign indicating the permissible path through private land.
Parking is available at lay-bys, such as the one opposite Paws Dogwalk entrance, but be aware this might lead to a longer trek.
A map or GPS can be helpful for the general area, but the specific route involves following marked footpaths and signs on private land.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to visit Dead Man's Plack. It is an outdoor historical site accessible via public footpaths and private land with permission.
As an outdoor woodland site, Dead Man's Plack does not have set opening hours. It is generally accessible during daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to visit Dead Man's Plack. The site is freely accessible via the designated footpaths.
It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the woodland surroundings. Access may be restricted on private land outside of permissible hours.
Visitors should respect private land and follow the designated footpaths. Be mindful of the historical and potentially sensitive nature of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main feature is the monument, a plinth erected to commemorate the legend of King Edgar's assassination. The surrounding woods also offer a pleasant walking experience.
Yes, it's considered a fun destination for children, offering a bit of mystery and an adventure in the woods.
The time taken will depend on your starting point and walking pace. The walk itself can be substantial, especially if starting from a further lay-by.
The terrain involves crossing fields and walking through forest paths, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is recommended.
Yes, you can take photos of the monument and the surrounding woodland. The unique plinth makes for interesting shots.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique plinth itself is a key photographic subject. The surrounding woodland also offers opportunities for atmospheric shots, especially with dappled light.
The woodland setting can be good for nature photography, depending on the season. Look for interesting flora and fauna along the paths.
Daylight hours are essential. Early morning or late afternoon light can create interesting shadows and moods in the woods.
Experiment with different angles to capture the monument's presence within the woodland. Getting close or stepping back to include the trees can both be effective.
Drone usage may be restricted due to private land and woodland canopy. Always check local regulations and obtain permission if necessary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit