The Elms, Smithfield

   "Le elmes" or "le two elmys" in the parish of St. Sepulchre without Newgate are frequently mentioned in early records in descriptions of property to identify the position of tenements, etc. (Anc. Deeds, B. 2173 and 2204).

   Stow describes the site as between the Horsepool and Turnmill brook, and said it had been a place of execution for Offenders (S. 382).

   Strype says it was so used in 1219 and earlier, as shown by a Close Roll, 4 H. III., in which mention is made of "Furcae factae upud Ulmellos Com. Midd. ubi prius factae fuerunt (ed. 1720, I. iii. 238).

   Sir W. Wallace was executed there 1305.