It caught my eye as I approached an intersection and happened to glance at the opposite side of the road. And there they were - stocks, standing by the side of the road in a small patch of grass and surrounded by shrubs.
I wasn't in a theme park, or driving through a historical site. Why would stocks be displayed on a highway? To deter speeders? Was it a Hallowe'en decoration? How long had they been standing there?
As it happened, before setting out that morning I had glanced at a few blogs, and had seen a picture of a bare-bottomed young lady, restrained in stocks and awaiting her punishment. This was truly a happy coincidence.
I took careful note of the name of the next village I passed through and resolved to take a closer look on my way back. The anticipation made the long drive home after a tiring day something to look forward to.
The sun was low on the horizon when I passed through the village that was my landmark, and I started watching the roadside carefully. Finally, I spotted the stocks again, and slowed slightly. There was a sign or plaque nearby, presumably a historical marker of some sort. Should I stop or carry on?
A small voice told me to seize the moment. I pulled off the road, turned around and headed back. The stocks were quite tall, made of wood and fastened together with rusted metal hinges and a large padlock. The sign explained that this was the former site of a jail, and that both stocks and a pillory had been set up next to it many years ago. I didn't know what a pillory was, but found this picture, and it seems that there isn't much difference, except in height.
There's also a dual version. Twice the fun, I suppose. Or more efficient.
Travelling is so much fun.
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