The barbarous custom of Spiking heads on city gates, and on other prominent places, may be traced back to the days of Edward I. His wise laws won for him the title of "the English Justinian," but he does not appear to have tempered justice with mercy.
"England in the Days of Old"
William Andrews
The Union troops had brought off about 175 prisoners and two guns, besides Spiking four other cannon.
"The Struggle for Missouri"
John McElroy
Then, if the gold has been shipped, we will land on a little strip of sandy beach at the seaward end of the channel, which I noticed to-day, march across the point, and take the battery, Spiking the guns.
"The Log of a Privateersman"
Harry Collingwood