I T 4 History of the 



The following entries, extracted at random from the accounts of 



different years, are full of interest, affording us now and again a 

 passing glnnpse of some strange transactions, suggesting many 

 curious reflections, while they serve better than the most elaborate 

 essay to illustrate the peculiar manners and customs of the times. 



1691 — 2. 



Item, for the use of the Militia, ' ;^3 2 6 



Item, for certain lands annexed and laid to and for the use of 



Waterfoot bridge, . . . . . . . . . . . . 00 1 1 7 



Item, for Relieving 25 passengers at severrall times with money 



and carriges, .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 00 14 10 



Item, in money spent upon the jury at ye time of viewinge the 



dead body of John Piccop, late of Newchurch, .. .. 00 i 6 



Many such entries as the above occur, of money having been 

 " spent upon the jurymen." The sums vary in amount from is. 4d. 

 to 4s. 4d., but the rule seems tti have been 4d. each man. People 

 in those days had a natural aversion to working for nothing. 



The next entry is of the true antiquarian cast, and is at once 

 striking and characteristic. 



Item, for a Bridle for Scouldinge women, .. .. .. ;£'oo 2 6 



The Bridle or Brank, as it is also called, used by our forefathers 

 for the punishment of scolds and " slanderous gossips," was 

 constructed of iron, having a collar which fitted round the neck, 

 being hinged at the sides, to which were fastened four bands, or 

 hoops, rising over the ears, and in front between the eyes, crossing 

 each other on the crown of the head. The band passing down 

 the back of the head was hinged at the crown so as easily to be 

 raised when the instrument was applied to the culprit,and was then 

 secured to the collar by a padlock at the back of the neck. On 

 the band in front was welded a piece of steel called the gag or 

 bridle-bit, about two inches long, and one inch broad, projecting 

 inwards, having its under side rasped or cut like a rough iile. This 

 was inserted into the mouth of the noisy delinquent, and rested upon 

 the tongue, thus eflectually preventing her from exercising that 



