Stocks

Stocks: A Historical Form of Punishment

Imagine a time when stocks were not just historical artifacts but a common form of public humiliation and corporal punishment. These devices, which restrained the ankles and wrists, served as a means to publicly shame individuals who had committed minor offenses. How could such a practice have been so widely accepted in ancient times?

The Stocks: A Metaphor for Public Shaming

What were stocks exactly? They consisted of wooden boards that restrained the ankles and wrists, forcing the punished individual to stand in a public place. The pillory, another form of punishment, involved placing boards around the arms and neck, often with a pole attached for added discomfort.

Ancient Origins and Widespread Use

Can you imagine being placed in stocks as a form of punishment? In Ancient Greece, these devices were described, and they continued to be used throughout history. From medieval times to the early modern period, including Colonial America, stocks were a common method for punishing those deemed part of the ‘lower class.’ In England, the Statute of Labourers 1351 prescribed their use for unruly artisans, while in Canada, court records from 1811 required the building of a set of stocks.

The Last Recorded Use and Modern Plans

Interestingly, the last recorded use of stocks in the United Kingdom was as late as 1872. However, there are plans to build new sets of stocks in some towns today. For instance, Thame is considering such a move for hire and charitable events. As noted by Bretherton, ‘Perhaps for charity we could do something like that, get people in the stocks and have others donate money for the time they last while having their feet tickled and syrup poured between their toes for laughs.’ The stocks were still legal in England but not believed to be used for actual punishment purposes.

Stocks in Other Parts of the World

Did you know that stocks were also used in other parts of the world? In Colombia, a married woman was placed in stocks by the Sampues tribe due to adultery and spent 72 hours barefoot. In 2020, police in Chinu, Colombia, used stocks as part of quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preservation and Protection

Today, many stocks are preserved in churches or museums; most are protected as listed buildings. Examples can be found in various English locations such as Broughton-in-Furness, Caverswall, Evesham, and Dromore in Northern Ireland.

Conclusion

The stocks, once a common form of public humiliation and corporal punishment, have now become historical artifacts. They serve as a reminder of the past and the evolution of societal norms. While they may seem archaic today, their preservation ensures that we remember the lessons of history.