Millhams Street is a narrow lane running off Bridge Street between Dennisons
Estate Agents and Topogigo Italian restaurant. Some 50 yards along the
street on the right hand side is Ducking Stool lane, turn into the lane
and walk to the very end where you will find the Mill Stream and waiting
the next client the ducking stool. A replica to the original stool this
model was installed in 1986 as a result of the reintroduction of the Court
Leet to sit in the town for the first time since 1937. Now only a ceremonial
role and with no legal powers there are still many of these medieval law
enforcers in the Country.
Be warned ladies one of the main purposes of the stool was to duck nagging
wife's, if they survived the experience they were allowed to return to
the man who had reported them, how things have changed. When you have finished
here about turn and walk back to the end of the road, stop off if you need
to at the Ducking Stool Herbalist or the Ducking Stool Tea Rooms the latter
providing refreshments to those who manage to find this old and interesting
building.
Turn right at the top of the road and wander past the terraced houses at
the end of which, tucked away behind what appears on the face of it to
be nothing more than a shed door on the left hand side of the road is Christines
Secret Garden. Small, but interesting and hidden behind Millhams Craft
Studio which includes a Pottery and stained glass workshop there is something
of interest for all. Pay it a visit you may just find that little something
you have sort for years. The garden is designed for the handicapped visitor
with raised beds and fragrant flowers.
On leaving the secret garden turn back the way from which you came and
when you reach Ducking Stool Lane again turn right along the alley, you
should be able to see the pub I am directing you towards. The pub, The
George Inn was first referred to in the record of 'St George' in 1630 and
is now the oldest surviving inn in the town. The George Inn or George and
Dragon stands opposite what was the town market place with the Town Hall
and Town Prison, oh and by the way the shambles, pillory, and market cross.
