Christchurch in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

The Ducking Stool

— Christchurch Cultural Trail —

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2025

1. The Ducking Stool Marker

Inscription. The earliest documented evidence of a ducking stool in Christchurch is in the Borough Records, dating from the mid-14th century. In May 1350, a property deed mentioned a 'Schulffyngstol'; another dated September 1468 calls it a 'Shylvyngstole'.

This is believed to be the punishment device now more commonly known as a ducking stool. It consists of a chair, into which the victim was tied, fixed to the end of a wooden beam that could be lowered into water. The ducking stool was almost exclusively reserved for scolds - women found guilty of verbal abuse, brawling, or other anti-social behaviour. The person was raised and lowered into the stream as often as the sentence directed. It was a means of public ridicule and humiliation. Other local punishments involved whipping through the market, exposure in the stocks, pillory, and whirly-gig (a type of spinning cage).

Contrary to popular belief, it is unlikely that ducking stools were ever used in Britain for identifying witches. The last recorded use of a ducking stool in England was in 1809.

This replica of a ducking stool has been placed near to where the original once stood. The exact design is unknown since styles varied considerably over time and from place to place.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology

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• Law Enforcement • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1350.

Location. 50° 44.069′ N, 1° 46.506′ W. Marker is in Christchurch, England, in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. It is on Ducking Stool Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18 Ducking Stool Lane, Christchurch, England BH23 1DS, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Old Court House (within shouting distance of this marker); Christchurch Castle and Norman House (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Town of Christchurch-Twynham (about 90 meters away); Clingan's Trust (about 120 meters away); The Old Tolsey (about 120 meters away); The Town Hall (about 180 meters away); Priory Church (about 210 meters away); Bow House (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Christchurch.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Ducking Stool (was within shouting distance of this marker).

The Ducking Stool image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 2, 2025

2. The Ducking Stool

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 19, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.