E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Tyburn
is Twa-burne, the “two rivulets;” so called because two small rivers met in this locality.
1
Tyburn’s triple tree. A gallows, which consists of two uprights and a beam resting on them. Previous to 1783 Tyburn was the chief place of execution in London, and a gallows was permanently erected there. In the reign of Henry VIII. the average number of persons executed annually in England was 2,000. The present number is under twelve.
2
Kings of Tyburn. Public executioners. (See HANGMEN.)
