In praise of Hawthorn’s whipping boys

Not everyone can be Hodgey, Mitch or Bud

In 15th and 16th century England, if the crown prince mucked up during his studies, it was his high-born companion who would cop the punishment in the prince’s stead. The prince was God’s representative, you see, and therefore untouchable. But his companion was fair game. He was the proverbial ‘whipping boy’.

Hundreds of years later, as a young Hawthorn …