The libraries archive in East Riding contains some gems, according to their online catalogue. There’s the “Offences and punishment book” from April 1938 – March 1947 for a workhouse and school in Bridlington, for example:
“Arranged by date of offence. Includes details of name, date of offence, punishment, approval for number of strokes if corporal punishment, date of punishment, master’s initials, observations.”
I wonder what ‘observations’ were made? Detailed accounts of the extent to which the young ladies writhed under the birch, perhaps?
And then there’s Hull Newington High School’s records, including its “punishment book 1945-1967”.
What price Data Protection?! I somehow doubt they asked pupils to sign a disclaimer: “I accept that I am about to be caned for misbehaviour, and agree that it’s OK for the authorities to make the details available publicly in the local library in forty years’ time”?
A punishment book? Yet another good idea for Wanda’s fiance…..
Ah, but then she might record the details in the book, rather than on her blog… And we wouldn’t want to miss out, would we?!
I’m sure you’re loving Wanda’s GRAPHIC details, dear Abel!!
I think it’s a horrible idea!!! Something else for me to keep up with. hmph!