A little while back I mentioned the magnificently quirky book “Lost Worlds” by Michael Bywater. And yes, for those of you who wondered, there is an entry under ‘Cane, The’. It’s way too long for me to quote in full – which in any case would risk veering towards copyright infringement (not good) rather than respectful author-worship (which might make you buy the book, therefore good).
Bywater tells tale of the History teacher with his ‘Walking Stick of Damocles’, the gym master with his plimsoll, the Headmaster (nicknamed The Duke) who “managed to put his shoulder out caning the entire Classics Sixth whom he had caught in a pub one lunchtime”.
The author himself “copped six stingers from one of The Duke’s whippier accoutrements for ‘pulling faces during prayers'”. Interestingly, for those who wonder whether teachers recall the punishments that they administer:
In later years he admitted that the memory had stayed with him ever since. “You’d have been all right,” he said, “if you hadn’t tried to claim that you were not pulling faces but were moved by religious ecstasy. “Right”, I thought, “I’m going to cane the bugger.” And I did. Marvellous. Spring in step. Quite set me up for the Governors’ meeting. Absolute despotism: one of the great perks of the job.”