BRAWLING, gambling, and the use of village stocks and ducking stools in Cradley more than 400 years ago will be the subject of a talk by local historian Margaret Bradley.

All are welcome to the illustrated account of the more colourful side of life in bygone days next Thursday (March 27) at the Overend Methodist Mission at 7.30pm.

Mrs Bradley said: “As we will be looking at examples of brawling, gambling in the taverns, slander, undesirable tenants and punishments such as the village stocks and ducking in the Stour, this should make for an entertaining evening.”