Death Cells and Execution Site, Poperinge Town Hall

Death Cells and Execution Site, Poperinge Town Hall

Highlight • Historical Site

Death Cells and Execution Site, Poperinge Town Hall

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Location: Poperinge, Ieper, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

Tips

July 28, 2025

Hiking

An accessible site consisting of cells and an execution post in the courtyard of Poperinge Town Hall, with various memorials and information boards. The town hall is located at Grote Markt 1-4, with a side wall overlooking Guido Gezellestraat.

At least eight men were executed in the courtyard of Poperinge Town Hall: Botfield, Simmonds, Poole, Fryer, Stadman, Wall, Morris, and Gore. Perhaps Crampton and Wang Jungzhi should be added. It is also possible that several others buried in Poperinge New Military Cemetery, and perhaps also McFarlane, buried in Nine Elms Cemetery, appeared before the firing squad here.

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Viviane

July 28, 2025

Hiking

In the town hall courtyard, an execution post commemorates the atrocities that took place here during World War I. At least eight soldiers faced the firing squad here. From 1916 onwards, the adjacent police cells were converted into "death cells," where the condemned soldiers spent their last night. At dawn, these soldiers were executed here (shot at dawn).

To enhance the experience even further, text panels and a soundtrack explain the "shot at dawn" phenomenon. You can also visit the site with a guide. More information via toerisme@poperinge.be.

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🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

September 15, 2022

Hiking

In the courtyard of the town hall are the death rows from the period of World War 1.
Town Hall Death Cell
A captivating location…
A small location located in …

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