Ducking Stool

Introduction to Ducking Stool

Ducking Stool, mechanism used in England and America, from its invention in the 17th century into the early 19th century, for the punishment of rebellious women, prostitutes, and witches. It consisted of a chair mounted on the end of a long, levered beam or pole that could be dipped into a body of water. Ducking stools were either permanently installed along rivers or ponds or else had wheels so that the culprit could first be paraded through the streets of the town. They worked on the seesaw principle, sometimes having hinged chairs that dipped the offender backward into the water. The guilty party, strapped into the chair so as not to fall out, was immersed a specific number of times prescribed by the sentencing magistrate.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Ducking Stool in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Ducking Stool