Gibbet Hill/Bancroft Castle

Short walk up a steep hill from Gibbet Hill Barn to Bancroft Castle with spectacular westerly views of Groton, rolling hills and sunsets. Look for cattle grazing on the hillside. You may also find wild turkeys roaming around.

Gibbet Hill owners graciously welcome visitors to enjoy the property and trails.  The view from the top of the hill is unsurpassed in this area, and we highly recommend making the trek! After parking in the lot, please walk towards the driveway entrance, where you will find a kiosk that has a map of the property and directions to the trail, which begins behind the pond near the road.

History

The hill is named for the English gibbet (pronounced JIB-bet), a gallows generally situated on a hill for public executions. Although there are some local legends and rumors, there are no substantiated claims of executions on the hill; Gibbet Hill was more likely named after a hill in England. A farmhouse build by John Lawrence in 1690 still stands (the white house next to the driveway).

In 1906, General William Bancroft, a Groton native who became head of the Boston Elevated Railroad and Mayor of Cambridge, began building a retirement home called Shawfieldmont at the crest of Gibbet Hill. Beginning with a modest bungalow, he planned to add a castle-like mansion and a stable, but ran out of money before the project was complete.  In 200, Geotel Communications founder Steven Webber, a Groton native, buys the 338-acre farm, plus an adjacent 188-acre orchard, to prevent the imminent development; vows to prevent any future residential development. Steve receives a standing ovation at Town Meeting for his commitment to preserving the rural nature of the town.

For the more information take a peak at gibbet-hill-history.pdf

Directions

You can park at Gibbet Hill Restaurant. There are a few spaces on Route 40 and street parking on Shattuck St. to hike up the backside. Another option is to park in the town center and walk on the sidewalk to Gibbet Hill area,

Map(s)

Map Goes Here
Click a label for more information. Click and drag to scroll. Zoom in to separate overlapping labels.

Private paths are shown in light gray. Please stay on paths and respect private property on these trails.
 Parking

 Trailhead

Activities & Features

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Nearby Places


Scarlet Hill

Scarlet Hill Farm is a private, working horse farm with a 10’ wide public trail easement along the tree line with a 360 degree viewing area at the top of the hill. Please stay on the marked public trail sections only; do not wander into the open fields and pastures for your own safety and...
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Difficulty

Moderate

Cautions

PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF ANY WEDDING CEREMONIES ON THE LAWN AND DO NOT WALK THROUGH THAT AREA. PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAIL AND NEVER CLIMB OVER THE FENCE. If you bring a dog keep them on a leash and bring waste bags and take out what you take in.