The “stocks” were generally placed in a conspicuous location
in a village, usually on the village green. Those people with a grievance (or just to have fun) could step
forward and take revenge on an individual. Sometimes the offending party
would be the town baker who was often known to shortchange a customer on a loaf
of bread, or a dozen rolls. To avoid such accusations, the baker might add
another roll to be sure of the poundage. The expression “thirteen to the dozen”
is believed to have originated because of this habit.
