Stocks

These wooden stocks were used at the Canongate Tolbooth in Edinburgh. They date from the 17th century.

The stocks have a hinge at one end and a locking mechanism at the other. They have holes for three pairs of legs.

Stocks were frequently used to deter begging. In 1617 the Privy Council ordered that each parish church should 'haif ane pair of fast stokkis with strong lokkis ... for punisheing of the saidis strong and idill beggaris'.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-336-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MR 2
• Date: 17th century
  
• Material: Wood and metal
  
• Dimensions: 390 mm H x 2820 mm L x 160 mm W
  
• What:
• Subject: Instruments, of torture (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh (Canongate, Old Tolbooth)
  
• Event:
• Description: Stocks, from old Canongate Tolbooth, Edinburgh, 17th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
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