The Plague Stone, Appleby

The plague stone, Appleby in Westmorland, Cumbria.
This hollowed stone is now in the Moot Hall next to the council chamber.
Originally it would have been placed at the edge of town, so that neighbouring farmers, fearful of catching a plague which was spreading through the town would have insisted that the townsfolk pay for their produce by throwing coins into this disinfectant-filled stone.