128 History of the 



than at present, and would be a convenient resting-place for the 

 " Tramps " passing in that direction to and from Burnley, a class 

 of characters apt even yet to get into trouble, and to whom the 

 Stocks of bygone times would be familiar enough. 



This mode of punishment has now almost universally fallen 

 into disuse, though in some rural districts the machine is still 

 preserved as a relic of the past. 



The Stocks consisted, generally, of two upright stone or wooden 

 posts, into which were fitted three horizontal planks, the lowest 

 being a fixture, while the two upper were made to slide vertically 

 in a groove in the pillars. In the respective edges of the planks, 

 notches of different sizes were cut to receive the arms and legs of 

 the culprit, when the whole were bound together with iron 

 fastenings secured by a padlock. 



The offender was usually seated on a stool, but in some cases 

 he was left lying on his back on the bare ground, with his arms at 

 liberty, his legs only being secured. 



The Stocks were used as a punishment for brawling, profane 

 swearing, drunkenness, and other minor offences. In some towns 

 the drunkard was made to perambulate the streets, carrying a 

 cask, in which were holes for the head and arms to pass through, 

 and called " The Drunkard's Cloak." 



To Scuttle Harry and Old Glover, .. .. .. .. ^'026 



Two suggestive names, doubtless well-known characters in their 

 day, but of whom no other recoid exists. 



1752. 

 A Warrant against Swearing, .. ., ,. ,. .. 02.0 



1 75.1- 

 To Conveying Oliver Grime, 2 Sons and Daughter, toye House 



of Correction, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100 



To one Vagrant Warrt. and Sunday Warrt., . , . . . . 050 



Sabbath-breaking and Profane Swearing were crimes which, 

 during last, and in the earlier years of the present century, our 

 forefathers vigilantly endeavoured to suppress. It was the custom 



