… for unruly diners in the Banqueting Hall at Haddon Hall.
This manacle was used as a punishment for those who did not “drink fayre” – a medieval custom whereby those that did not drink their quota of ale were considered a potential threat – and the ale not consumed was poured down the offender’s sleeve. It was also used for restraining unruly revellers. *
*From a sign board next to the manacle
That must have been the strangest bit of local law you have found!
It is one of the oddest things I have ever come across!!
That is something else, nowadays they don’t know what to do to make them drink not as much as they should and back then…. “in the irons” and punish…. that is the world upside down
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Love the woodwork.
Yes it is quite astonishing how things change over the years. I wonder if it will come back full circle eventually?
I think such devices would have a use in today’s society – but for the opposite reasons!
Quite!!!
Basically it’s like a lock-up?
Funny I came across lots of them in the West Country, particularly in Wiltshire and Somerset.
This is the first time I have seen one of these despite visiting properties in Wiltshire and Somerset. I must not have visited the right properties to see these.
Have you been to Bradford-on-Avon?
The blindhouse is located next to the old stone bridge.
It’s the same in Trowbrige, right next to their old stone bridge.
I have only visited those places in passing, it seems I need to explore them further
I’ve never heard of one of those – your post is so interesting. Will have to look out for one when on my travels.
I had not heard of them before either.