Cromwell Pilloried
On the key-stone of the arch of the Guildhall entrance-door is the figure of a man’s head, having the expression of pain, and with his ears nailed back. Is there any ground for supposing that this was intended to represent Oliver Cromwell in the pillory, while the two Charleses stand in regal state on each side? I have heard the fag-end of an old song, of which the following is the burden:
“The Worcester people being hurt full sore, sir,
Nail’d Cromwell’s head by the ears above the Town-hall door, sir.
Chorus. Heigho, what will they do?
They’re always finding something new.”
It is, however, probable that the sculpture in question is intended, with the other heads and figures adorning the Hall, merely to represent some abstract idea, such as Justice, Punishment, Pain, &c.