Stocks & Lock-up

You'll find this modest stone structure tucked away in Hoddesdon, a reminder of what happened to troublemakers centuries ago. The stocks and lock-up sit as a pair - one for public shaming, the other for holding offenders until the magistrate arrived. It's the kind of thing that catches you off guard as you wander the town centre. Local history types will find it genuinely interesting, especially if you're already exploring Hertfordshire's Tudor and Georgian architecture.

Truth be told, it won't take long. Ten minutes maximum, and that's if you read the information board properly. Kids might find it morbidly fascinating for five of those. The real value is in the context - it sits within walking distance of Hoddesdon's high street, so bundle it in with a coffee stop or a browse of the local shops rather than making a special trip.

If you're based at Lee Valley Caravan Park just over two miles away or camped at The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake, this is the kind of thing worth a casual afternoon wander. It costs nothing and requires no planning. Go when you like. You won't need tickets or advance notice. It's simply there, a small but genuine piece of how justice worked in medieval England - no drama, no gift shop, just the stones themselves.