HYNDBURN is about to become the focal point of a nationwide hunt for historical punishment equipment.

The Village Lock-Up Association is trying to create a database and directory of where all the country's stocks, whipping posts, gibbots and lock-ups are located.

And as a result of my own self-imposed imprisonment in the stocks at Huncoat, outside the White Lion hotel and dating back to 1772, they will soon be made aware of our own local piece of torture.

According to the association, a village wasn't complete without its own form of tortuous punishment in the the town square. But after the introduction of the police force, such deterrents were scrapped.

More than 14,000 letters have been sent to Parish Councils across the country - including ones in East Lancashire - and the association is receiving over 100 replies a day.

Secretary Andrew Plumridge said the stocks were quite popular in their day. "They were the 18th century equivalent if Neighbourhood Watch; they did quite a bit to curb crime in those days.

"We have no idea what is out there, because it has never been recorded before. Many items of 'justice' have been lost over the past 300 years, but Hyndburn villages still boast some equipment - and it's in pretty good nick!

Oswaldtwistle is one of a number of village in the area who also have stocks.

Andrew added: "We also want to know about other more gruesome items, such as the axe and block, blinding knives and disembowelment racks."

So, if you know or possess one of these 'historic' items, contact: The Village Lock-Up Association, 7 Inches Yard, Market Street, Newbury RG14 5DP.

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