My understanding is that there were possibly 3 major suppliers of canes to English schools, two based in London and one in the north, and a number of small producers. School canes could vary in both length and thickness with stouter models intended for older pupils. Ironmongers often supplied canes although most were supplied direct from the makers. Bamboo was less suitable as it was inflexible and could easily split during use. Rattan was much preferred as it was solid yet flexible and, I believe, very effective. I wonder how the proportion of straight canes used varied from those with a crook handle? I have never seen nor felt the cane so I depend on the views of the experienced!
Whole Class Punisment75
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How many strokes 2
While this was a long time ago and memory fades with time I can envisage no circumstances where I...
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Caned in a group
In comics like “The Beano” and TV shows like “Whack-O”, is was common to see a group of boys...
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leg slapping4
At home i was kept in shorts till i was approx 17, this was to aide the infliction of...
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School Corporal Punishment History40
Unabashed by post-Freudian anxieties about physical contact, the old propensity to hit boys was part of a broader enthusiasm...
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School Punishment Book86
Impatience in the remarks column it records Pat had been asked to unpick her knitting, not done so and...
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Thoughts of an Abusive but Aparant Wartime Headmaster38
Up to morning break This was always the most busy time of the day, as I never use to...
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Irish & British Corporal Punishment Experiences Compared3
Corporal punishment was a regular feature in both schools but was undoubtedly more common in the primary school. Implements...
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School CP’s Little Secret66
Between the ages of 7 and 11 (1957 to 1961) I attended a mixed primary school where all the...