The stocks were a traditional method of punishment in which the accused sat with his/her legs through holes in the device which was then locked. The townspeople would then throw refuse – and verbal abuse – at the prisoner. This included
all sorts and conditions of missiles, not always of the most enticing description
They were used to punish minor offences such as drunkenness, or blaspheming on the Sabbath.
Sabbath breaking, excessive conviviality and a variety of minor offences had to be exculpated in this way and such was the number of offenders in certain festive seasons, so it is said, that they had to line up for punishment in the manner of the present-day queue
These were often used in townships and small communities which did not have their own jail or lockup.
There are several surviving examples in the district, including those at
See Edge Hey Green, Hebden Bridge, Stag Inn, Heptonstall, Stock's Arms, Northowram, Heptonstall Stocks, Stocks Inn, Heptonstall and Stocks Villas, Hebden Bridge
Page Ref: MMS117
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