T 1 6 History of the 



occupant of the chair immersed as often as was thought desirable, 

 three being the usual number of dips. About the barbarity of this 

 custom there can at this day be no two opinions ; and we quite 

 coincide in Dr. Plot's view that " Lucy's Muzzle," as the bridle 

 was sometimes called, was a more effectual, while it was also a 

 more merciful, method of treating the rebellious members of the 

 weaker se.x. Many of these bridles, which were once 



"The dread of ev'ry scolding qupen," 



are preserved in museums and in private collections throughout the 

 country. At the sale of the effects of Mrs. Benson, Fletcher Fold, 

 near Bury, widow of the late William Benson, Esq., agent to the Earl 

 of Derby, a relic of this kind was disposed of by auction, being pur- 

 chased by, and now in the possession of a friend of the writer's 

 residing at Bury. This Bridle or Krank was formerly the property 

 of the township of Pilkington, and was kept in the workhouse there, 

 for use on all needful occasions. To its efficacy in curbing the 

 unruly member, I can bear personal testimony, having had the 

 happiness of trying it on, on more than one occasion. 



The next entry is from the year 1693, and is an 



Item to Passengers taking Sarah Whittwhani to ye house 



of Correction, .. .. .. ., ii^i 6 7 



Note the expression. Passengers. Sarah seems to have been 

 an obstreperous character, as it required two or three persons to 

 convey her to her destination. 



1696-97. 



It. to Mr. Cunliffe, vardict bringing in, .. .. ;£o 14 s 



1697-98. 

 It. for making utinsells and vvorkelumes in ye House of 



Correction .. .. .. .. .. 047 



This has reference to the Preston House of Correction, and the 

 sum of 4s. 7d. is the proportionate amount contributed by the 

 Forest of Rossendale towards the object named. 



