The original, stolen in 1965, was dated 1633 and came to the parish in 1723 from Chester (or in some versions from a man called Chester who lost a fortune due to women gossiping). The metal plaque on the case is inscribed:
“Chester presents Walton with a bridle
To curb women’s tongues which talk too idle”
For a photo of the bridle see https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6441389
TQ1066 : Wooden Case containing Scold’s Bridle
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