Hi. What used to happen when a criminal was in the stocks? Is it true that people used to throw things?

Question

If people did throw things, what did they throw? Did they ever throw anything smelly? I'd be so grateful for any help you can give me. One of my pupils asked me in class yesterday and i didn't know what to tell her. Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes, they were used as a form of punishment in the middle ages. With public stocks, which can still be seen in villages around England, Townsfolk would throw rotten fruit and vegetables at the offenders and in extreme cases roast the soles of their feet.

Answer 2

Also it did change from one area to the next. In some parts of Germany they where more civilized. Some times they where only allowed to throw things at certain times of the day. Some times the Magistrate would not allow any thing worst than water or spit to be thrown so's not to foul up the streets. On the other hand the Germans where famous for making the accused wear heavy masks made out of wood or iron. Different shapes for different offenses. Gross faces with a long tong for a gossip, a donkey for some one who was too prone to getting drunk and making an *** of themselves.

Answer 3

Yeah, mostly they threw things like vegetables and things like you see on TV when the person on the stage stinks. Lots of times if the person was bad enough cow manure was thrown.

Answer 4

Depends on the crime. They could throw any rubbish or water.

Answer 5

oh yes they threw stuff...rocks and sticks dirt clods...rarely foodstuffs unless it was rotted or digested and excreted (by man or beast)
the human critter can be an extreemly mean spirited creature.