What to see

Five-hole Stocks

Park Street
Woodstock
directly in front of the museum.

 

Stocks were historically used for the partial immobilization of convicted felons or those awaiting trial. They were then exposed in a public place, such as the site of a market, to the scorn of those who passed by and the vagaries of the weather.

Unlike pillories, where the standing incumbent's arms and neck were locked into three holes, stocks generally locked both feet of a sitting "tenant".

The Woodstock stocks are unusual, but not unique, in having five holes rather than the usual even number! And at least there was a small roof for some protection against rain.

Five-hole Stocks