Whipping was a very common form of punishment. It was done publicly as a lesson to other inmates.

This extract is from the Forden workhouse records.

The wording above reads:
"Mary Reynald a Pauper in the House having embezzled Bread Cheese Beef and Candles belonging to this Corporation Ordered that she be publicly whipped in the Hall immediately before Dinner on Wednesday next."

The link below is to the page on the Scold's bridle...

Scold's bridle