In 18th Britain, the church was starting to lose its influence. Many people still went, because they had to be seen to be going, but they often didn't take things too seriously. To counter this, churches employed a Sluggard Waker, who would walk up and down the church aisles ensuring everyone stayed awake. If they saw anyone who was starting to nod off, they would pull out a big stick sometimes called a wand and poke them pretty hard on the head. The wands were long and straight, and not unlike a snooker cue today. Most often they had something similar to a door knob attached to end, a swift clunk of which would quickly jolt the offender back to piety. In some areas of England there were even different types of tips on the wands, which were designated for waking either men or women. One with a brass tip would be shoved into the head of a sleeping gent, while one with a fox tail on the end was used for waking up dozing ladies.
