History Of Medieval Torture Devices
This article is to illustrate how people were treated in the Medieval and early modern period in Europe. Torture, whether it was severe or not, was a commonplace thing of this time period. Below is a history of devices that were used in torture during the period. Keep in mind before reading that even though I tried my best with this subject matter that you may find some of these devices quite shocking. But it is history and as such should be remembered if only to make sure we as a people do not repeat the same mistakes.
SCOLD'S BRIDLE
Used primarily in England, Scotland and Ireland but in a few other European mainland countries as well the Scold's Bridal was in heavy use from the 15th to the 17th Century.
It was used almost exclusively on women that either their husband or the townspeople considered "Scolds," nags, rude, shrews, witches or otherwise prone to saying anything they didn't want to hear or be heard by others. The devices consisted of a metal mask with a piece inside that stuck into the mouth over the tongue. This piece had spikes or sharp protrusions that would pierce the tongue if the wearer tried to speak. Some of these devices had a bell attached to them so when a Scolds husband paraded her around town people could gather and call her names, through feces or rotten fruit at her and beat her.
JUDAS CRADLE
A Judas Cradle (pictured above) was a torture device used in medieval Europe. It was a thick metal stool with a large pointed seat.
A victim would be chained or bound in such a way that when they were forced to sit directly on the point they could not move or get off of the point. Eventually over the course of hours or sometimes days the muscles would tear eventually the spike seat would pierce the lower organs causing death.
This device was used in mainland Europe, primarily France, Germany and a handful of other countries but was present in England as well.
Made to be durable many of these can be found in museums throughout Europe.
THE BOOT
The Boot known by many other names (such as Malay Boot, Spanish Boot, Foot Press, etc.) was a medieval era torture device made usually with metal plating that would enclose the foot and sometimes leg of an individual. During interrogation or for general torture the metal device was tightened until answers were satisfactory or until the foot and leg bones were shattered. It was used throughout Europe. One variation involved filling the boot with boiling water and thus boiling the flesh right off the bone.
THE STOCKS
The stocks were used throughout Medieval period Europe and made it into the new world as well. It was primarily used as a restraining the victim so that other tortures could be applied or just as a public humiliation.
HERETIC'S FORK
The Heretic's Fork was a medieval torture device that was placed between the breast bone and the underside of the chin. It was strapped to the throat with a strap. The victim was generally bound, chained or otherwise restrained. If the victim fell asleep and his head dropped the forck would pierce his throat or chest.
PENDULUM
The Pendulum was a swinging device suspended above the victim lying on a table with a sharp blade at the end. It was slowly lowered until the blade pierced the victim. This device (and possibly others) has been sensationalized by such films and film series like Saw.
THE RACK
This torture device was used throughout medieval Europe. The victim would be placed on a table with rollers underneath. Ropes connected to the rollers would be attached to the victims arms and legs. The rollers would be turned and ropes attached the limbs would made tighter and tighter stretching the victims body. The eventual result would be dislocated joints and possibly separating limbs from the body.
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