Canterbury Photo, Ducking Stool outside the Old Weaver's House

License this photo for your own use

At the rear of the Old weaver's House is a medieval relic; an original ducking stool. This was used as a primitive form of punishment during the Middle Ages, and also as a test for suspected witches. The witch was strapped to the stool at the end of a long pole, then dunked under water. If the suspect died, they were presumed innocent of witchcraft. Scant consolation, to be sure. If they lived, they were presumed to be guilty of witchcraft, and could be executed forthwith.

All photos of Canterbury