This is the site of the Canterbury ducking stool, used since medieval times for punishments given to nagging wives (husbands had to pay a fee for this); cheating businessmen and lastly those suspected of witchcraft. If the suspected witch didn't survive being immersed in the river for 2-3 minutes, she was declared innocent. If she was still alive after her ordeal, she was declared a witch and burned to death.
The ducking stool is sadly not very visible in this photograph. It is suspended over the river just by the two boats in the distance.
I bet there are a fair few husband who would like to see its revival:-) Lovely shot, I've never been, but would love to visit. Obviously I would be on my best behaviour with the husband!
@gijsje Thanks for commenting, and I hope you do visit again one day. @suzanne234 Oh I did chuckle at your comment! Canterbury is a very interesting city, I hope you get there one day. @jessikapanteleios@777margo Thanks so much! @joansmor Isn't is barbaric? Makes me shudder ... so glad we live when we do though the world is still in a sorry state.
Great image in black and white. I used to visit Canterbury a lot when my mother in law lived there - not far from this place. I like the story you have told as well
Super scene, looks quite relaxing and then I read your narrative! It has quite a history and can surely tell a tale or two! Being placed in the ducking stool sounds like a lose lose situation.
Oooooh, now this is a view I know very well! I was born and brought up in Chatham and have been to Canterbury many times.
The ducking stool is something of a novelty now but what barbaric uses it has been put to! Witches - huh, mostly just solitary women who kept their own counsel or didn't fit into the perceived norm for some other reason.
Lovely image - great that you have a punt to complete the scene, looks good in b&w too.
@dulciknit Thanks so much for your feedback, it's very much appreciated. Horrible history here. Are you still in Kent? Just wish one of the other punts could have been in the picture. It had one of the largest Labradoodles as a passenger.
@fbailey Aww, labradoodles are lovely! So much character. Frustrating for you not to be able to include it but you still made a lovely image.
I haven't lived in Kent since I married in '76 (we're based near Aylesbury now) but we do get back for a day or two a few times a year. I miss the coast especially.
@suzanne234 Oh I did chuckle at your comment! Canterbury is a very interesting city, I hope you get there one day.
@jessikapanteleios @777margo Thanks so much!
@joansmor Isn't is barbaric? Makes me shudder ... so glad we live when we do though the world is still in a sorry state.
@carole_sandford @sandy2017 @merrelyn @suesouthwood @maggiemae @tonygig @pyrrhula @skipt07 @bigmxx @dkbarnett @peadar @salza @johnsutton Thanks very much for stopping by. Yes, if the witches drowned and were then declared innocent of witchcraft, the Church would extend an apology to their families ...
The ducking stool is something of a novelty now but what barbaric uses it has been put to! Witches - huh, mostly just solitary women who kept their own counsel or didn't fit into the perceived norm for some other reason.
Lovely image - great that you have a punt to complete the scene, looks good in b&w too.
I haven't lived in Kent since I married in '76 (we're based near Aylesbury now) but we do get back for a day or two a few times a year. I miss the coast especially.
Yes, I love the sea too. Soul food as well as a good place for photos.