Shane Meadows, the acclaimed filmmaker behind This Is England, turned his attention to 18th-century Yorkshire for his first BBC drama series. The Gallows Pole brings to life the true story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of counterfeiters who became the biggest fraudsters in British history. In 2026, searches for “The Gallows Pole” remain strong as new viewers discover this unique period drama on BBC iPlayer. This guide covers the cast, true story, episode guide and critical reception.
What Is The Gallows Pole About?
Set in the moorland hills of 18th-century Yorkshire, The Gallows Pole follows David Hartley (Michael Socha) as he returns to his family’s remote moor-top dwelling after seven years away. Dragging a mysterious bag of tools and on his last legs, he gets lost in the moors. As he is about to die, he is saved by six mythical Stag Men who let him know his work on earth isn’t done yet.
Hartley assembles a gang of weavers and land-workers to embark upon a revolutionary criminal enterprise: “clipping” – the forging of coins. This treasonous offence carried the punishment of death by hanging. The drama explores how a community facing economic hardship and the looming threat of industrialisation banded together to fight back against the landowners and clothiers who controlled their livelihoods.
The series is based on Benjamin Myers’ 2017 novel of the same name, which fictionalises the true story of the Cragg Vale Coiners. As Publishers Weekly described it, the book is “a violently poetic English western inspired by the true story of the Cragg Vale Coiners and as wild as the moors on which it is set”.
The True Story: The Cragg Vale Coiners
The real Cragg Vale Coiners operated in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire, during the late 1760s. King David Hartley, a charismatic leader prone to violence and mystical visions, led the gang. Their operation involved “clipping” – shaving small amounts of gold from the edges of coins and melting the shavings to forge new guineas .
As one reviewer noted, the true story is “a helluva story”. The gang grew so powerful that they became the biggest fraudsters in British history. Their downfall came when a government official was murdered, bringing them to the attention of the authorities. The series ends on a cliffhanger, with the grisly conclusion awaiting a potential second series.
The Gallows Pole Cast
Shane Meadows assembled a stellar cast of both established actors and newcomers discovered through an Instagram casting call:
The cast also includes George MacKay, Tom Burke, Cara Theobold and Nicole Barber Lane. Meadows praised the casting process, saying: “Putting this cast together has been an absolute joy. To be working with actors I’ve grown up with and/or have been desperate to work with, alongside oodles of incredible ‘as yet’ undiscovered (Yorkshire based) talent, is an absolute honor”.
Episodes and Runtime
The Gallows Pole is a three-part limited series. The BBC first announced the project in May 2021. Filming took place later that year in and around Yorkshire. The series premiered on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in May/June 2023.
Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes. Meadows chose to tell the story over three feature-length instalments rather than a longer series. This allows the narrative to breathe while maintaining dramatic tension throughout .
Critical Reception: What Reviewers Say
The Gallows Pole has received mostly positive reviews from critics. The Guardian praised the series for its “raw energy” and “uncompromising vision”. The Telegraph called it “a startlingly original piece of television” that captures the bleak beauty of the Yorkshire landscape.
However, some critics noted that the series feels incomplete. The ending leaves the story unresolved, clearly setting up events that would be covered in a potential second series that has not yet been greenlit.
Viewer reviews on IMDb and BBC iPlayer are generally positive. Fans of Shane Meadows’ earlier work appreciate the authentic dialogue, the stunning cinematography, and the performances of the ensemble cast. Some casual viewers found the Yorkshire dialect difficult to understand at times. The BBC later added subtitles to address this issue.
Where to Watch The Gallows Pole
The Gallows Pole is available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK. All three episodes are available to watch now. The series also aired on BBC Two.
In the United States, the series was acquired by AMC Networks and streamed on AMC+ and Sundance Now. International distribution varies by region .
Will There Be a Second Series?
As of 2026, the BBC has not officially renewed The Gallows Pole for a second series. The three-part drama ends on a significant cliffhanger. The true story of the Cragg Vale Coiners concludes with the hanging of King David Hartley in 1775, leaving ample material for a follow-up.
Meadows has expressed interest in continuing the story. In interviews, he has stated that the novel contains enough material for two series. However, he has also said that he wants to ensure the right creative conditions are in place before committing to more episodes.
Why The Gallows Pole Is Trending in 2026
The Gallows Pole continues to generate interest for several reasons. New viewers discovering Shane Meadows’ work on streaming platforms are finding the series. The unresolved cliffhanger ending keeps fans hoping for a second series. The growing popularity of period dramas on BBC iPlayer has introduced the show to wider audiences. Additionally, the outstanding performances of the cast continue to draw praise.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Shane Meadows or new to his work, The Gallows Pole offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. It is bleak, beautiful and brilliantly acted. And it may leave you desperate for more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is The Gallows Pole a true story?
Yes. It is based on the true story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of counterfeiters who operated in 18th-century Yorkshire.
How many episodes of The Gallows Pole are there?
Three episodes. The series is a limited drama, though a second series has not been ruled out.
Who plays David Hartley in The Gallows Pole?
Michael Socha plays the charismatic leader of the Cragg Vale Coiners.
Where can I watch The Gallows Pole?
In the UK, stream it on BBC iPlayer. In the US, stream it on AMC+ or Sundance Now.
Will there be a second series of The Gallows Pole?
The BBC has not officially renewed the show. The first series ends on a cliffhanger, and the true story of the Coiners has more to tell.
Is The Gallows Pole suitable for children?
The show contains violence, strong language and adult themes. It is rated 15 in the UK.
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