Small wooden structures which were used to punish people for small crimes. They have a wooden bench and a set of wooden planks with holes in, which were used to hold people's legs or arms. Usually set up in public places, the criminal would often have rotten fruit or vegetables thrown at them. Their use was abolished in 1837.

Good examples of stocks dating from the 18th century can be seen in Alford and Shalford. Both villages have double stocks, that could hold two people.

Reproduced courtesy of The Francis Frith Collection

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