16th. Century ASBO

For followers from overseas I should explain that an ASBO was an Anti-Social Behaviour Order by which Courts could impose restrictions on individuals who were guilty of...well...anti-social behaviour. The were abolished in 2014. One of the problems was that in certain circles it became a badge of honour to have one. Their provisions were also hard to enforce.

When I saw these stocks at Bramhall Hall today it struck me that for hundreds of years they had been the method of dealing with such behaviour. Their advantage was that they involved fun and enjoyment for virtuous and for those who didn't get caught. They were able to throw rotting veg and eggs at the victims and to tickle their feet etc., etc. modern ASBOs had no such rewards for innocence.

The Davenport family who lived at the Hall for 500 years clearly were successful at dealing with social disorder among the local peasantry. It was a simple but effective method.