Stocks

Stocks: A Dark Chapter in History

Imagine a time when feet were used as restraining devices, not for comfort but for public humiliation and punishment. This is the reality of stocks, an ancient form of corporal punishment that dates back to Ancient Greece.

The Origins of Stocks

Can you believe that the use of stocks can be traced back to Solon’s law code in Ancient Greece? These devices were used to restrain ankles and wrists, much like a modern-day foot lock. But instead of keeping someone safe, they were meant as a form of public humiliation.

The Pillory: A Sibling to Stocks

While stocks restrained the feet, the pillory was a bit more severe. It involved placing boards around the arms and neck, often in prominent central locations. Think of it like a medieval version of a public shaming platform. Victims were left there for hours or even days, facing ridicule from passersby.

Public Punishment: A Common Occurrence

From 1500 until at least 1748, public punishment in the stocks was a common occurrence. In England’s Statute of Labourers 1351, towns and villages were required to erect sets of stocks for ‘unruly artisans.’ These devices stood as silent witnesses to countless acts of humiliation.

Stocks in Colonial America

In the New World, stocks were introduced by Spanish conquistadores. They were used against those who impeded the consolidation of new settlements. In 1989, the Arkansas town of Dermott even passed a curfew law punishable by up to thirty days in jail or two days in the stocks.

Modern-Day Stocks: A Curious Twist

While stocks have largely disappeared from modern society, they still hold a place in history. In 2016, the British town of Thame proposed building stocks for hire and charitable events, sparking international headlines. Could we do something similar today? Perhaps for charity, get people in the stocks and have others donate money for their time there while having their feet tickled and syrup poured between their toes for laughs.

Stocks in Other Parts of the World

In Colombia, a woman was placed in stocks by a tribe due to adultery in 2012. She spent 72 hours barefoot as punishment. In 2020, Colombian police even used stocks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preserved Stocks: A Historical Reminder

While most stocks have disappeared, some are preserved in churches or museums as listed buildings. Examples include:

• Broughton-in-Furness
• Caverswall
• Evesham
• Eyam
• Little Longstone
• Canewdon
• Aldbury
• Great Amwell
• North Turton
• Haveringland
• Oakham Market Cross and stocks
• Alfold
• Bilton
• Ufton
• Poulton-Le-Fylde
• Dromore in Northern Ireland

Stocks, a dark chapter in history, serve as a reminder of the harsh punishments and public shaming that were once common. While they may seem like relics from another era, their presence today serves as a stark contrast to our modern values.