Why do Oakham stocks have three holes? An intriguing question and an even more intriguing answer! Actually, Oakham stocks have five holes – four and a smaller one. Perhaps the story is of old Tommy is true, but the BBC found a more prosaic answer.
“A great deal has been written from time to time about the stocks which are still preserved in several places throughout the country. Among the best specimens to be seen now are those at Oakham, and in regard to these stocks a Leicester correspondent has discovered something puzzling, which no doubt has escaped the notice of many visitors, and probably residents. The writer says : “I have seen illustrations of stocks made to secure one or two persons, that is with two or four holes to fasten their legs, and others with holes for hands as well, but never one with three, and one of these very much smaller than the others. What was its purpose? I set out in search of information, and was fortunate enough to come into contact with one of the ‘ancient’ inhabitants of the quiet old town, who was able to satisfy my curiosity.” That little hole? Why that was made for old Tommy -‘s wooden leg! He was always getting tipsy or doing something for which he was sent to the stocks. For some time he got off because of his wooden leg. But he became such a nuisance that at last that little hole was made, and there he used to sit, the butt of all and sundry, with his sound leg through one of the larger holes and his wooden peg fastened in the small one!”
The Stamford Mercury, 16th August, 1918.