Brading Animal Pound

At the far end of the churchyard lies the old animal pound, built up about two hundred years ago to enclose straying animals who could damage growing crops. A fine had to be paid to reclaim the animal; anything between one shilling and five shillings was charged (5p to 25p). When cattle strayed it was the 'pounders' task to round them up and hold them in the pound. The pounder was an officer of the court leet - the equivalent of modern trading standards officers. There were a number of these roles: the pigger, the pounder, the whipper, water bailiffs etcetera. .

The Stocks, Whipping Post and Gaol

These can all be found near the Pound under the Old Town Hall.

The stocks are now owned by the Brading Town Trust, and consists of two wooden stock boards the bottom corners of which have been repaired containing 5 leg-holes, and supported on two feet. Inscribed on the lower stock-board is the date 1750, and the letters "MC‟ and two

Natural Beauty

As well as historical interest, Brading is a hub for wildlife enthusiasts using the Brading marshes RSPB centre. The Brading Downs provides beautiful vistas of the Isle of Wight.

View List of Assets

Read About Us

other letters too faint to identify. The two stock-boards are hinged at one end and locked at the other with a hasp, staple and padlock. The stocks have been painted with thick brown paint which is flaking off in places. An early "Official Guide‟ to Brading (priced 1/-), described the Old Town Hall as a “small, reddish-coloured building with barred gates underneath by the Church". Here can be seen the famous Brading Stocks, which bear the date 1750, but which were used centuries before that. The town records, for example, contain an entry in 1555. "We present the wife of John Scarvell for drawing blood upon the bailey Beale for which puniebater in Cippes.‟ (Punished in the Stocks). Here also can be seen the whipping-post, and the lock-up used in former times. The room above stores the ancient records of the Town. The first Brading Charter was granted about 1280 by Edward I, and the second charter of 1547 granted by Edward VI is still preserved; the other town records go back to 1551. From here the town was governed by its corporate officers, consisting of Senior and Junior Bailiffs, thirteen Jurats, a Town Clerk, a Hayward, and two constables, who were elected yearly in October. The common seal is encircled with the words "The King's Towne of Bradynge‟ around the Tudor rose.