Harsh Justice

The punishment handed out to Hannah Davis who was found guilty of theft by the Portsmouth session court in 1732 was: ‘You are to return to the Gaole from whence you came and there remain till Thursday next between the hours of Eleven and Twelve of the Clock in the Forenoon, att which time you are to be taken thence and stript from the middle upwards and fixt to the Public Stocks or Whipping Post near the Cage on the Common withn the Liberties of this Burrough, and at Twelve of the Clock just as the Dock Men are coming from his Majesties Dock Yard here you are to receive Fifteen Lashes with a Catt of Nine Tails from the hande of the Common Beadle on your naked Back and then return to the said Gaol and there remaine till your Fees are paid.’ Portsmouth City Records Office, S3/97