At the rear of the Old Weavers House is a medieval Ducking Stool, jutting out over the river. It was historically used as a method of punishing 'scolds' - women accused by their husbands of talking back too much. The Stool may also have been used as a more severe punishment for suspected witches. The suspected witch was dunked under the water and held there for several minutes. If she (it was usually a female) did not drown, she was proved a witch. If she drowned, at least her name was cleared.

Bygone Era

This image is available to purchase and is part of our Bygone Era Stock Photos Collection.