I Received Corporal Punishment At School

At English schools in the 1950 and 60s, the standard punishment for serious or repeated offences was the cane. At my school canings were always given in private, so none of us knew exactly how many strokes other boys got, but we always assumed it was six. Why did six become the standard dose, I wonder? Or perhaps it wasn't so standard, and "six of the best" is a sort of urban myth? Did anyone ever get more than six?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

ReggieFane · 61-69, M

My view is that 6, applied full force, was a perfect number for the average teenage bottom, whether male or female. Most teachers liked to space out the strokes, though some liked the 5 bar gate or even grouped the 6 in a narrow band (super cruel!). An era of proper discipline, and I'd love to talk about it privately if you got plenty of swishings!

MartinII · 70-79, M

@ReggieFane Very happy to talk, but as it happens I managed to avoid the dreaded cane.

miscreant6x6 · 56-60, M

@ReggieFane OMG yes the ones who grouped their strokes together to leave a flaming band were the worst. I had one master who could lay 4 on the same spot and it was excruciating for at least two days and remained visible in the showers for much longer.