Medieval Punishment Catherine Barker Period 2 Catherine Barker Period 2

PunishmentPunishment During the medieval time it was believed the only way to keep things under control was to make people fear punishment. For this reason every crime had incredibly harsh punishments.

PunishmentPunishment Before they could find out if someone was guilty they would torture them until the truth came out. The truth was found through various torture devices some that could even lead to death. The torturing usually took place in chambers and dungeons that usually had a winding entrance so the screams were muffled.

Manorial Court This type of court dealt with the basic crimes and occurred a few times a year. All of the villagers were required to attend these court seasons. The Lord’s steward was in charge of the court. A jury of twelve men had to collect evidence and determine if the accused was guilty or innocent and what the punishment was going to be.

Trial by Ordeal Ordeal by fire The accused had to pick up a hot iron bar and hold it while they took a few steps. Their hands were then bandaged and after a few days they returned to the court and their bandages were removed. If their burns had started to heal they were innocent but if the hadn’t started to heal they were guilty. Ordeal by water Ordeal by combat

Trial by Ordeal Ordeal by water The accused had their hands and feet tied together. Then they were thrown into a body of water and if they sank they were innocent but if they floated they were guilty. Ordeal by combat Nobleman would fight in combat with their accuser and the winner was considered to be right.

Toewedge Torture Wooden wedges were forced under the toenails to get a confession. Because of this torture, the victims toenails would often get infected and break off.

Tongue Slicer This device was used to slice up the victims tongue after their mouth was forced open.

Water Torture The victims nostils were closed and then their mouth was forced open. Then fluid was forced down their throat. The fluid was usually water but at times was urine or vinegar.

Foot Press The victims foot was placed in the device then the device slowly squeezed the foot until all of the bones were broken.

Juda Cradle The victim was hung over a pyramid and then was lowered onto it. This device forced the pyramid in that area between the victims legs.

Cat’s Paw This device was a short pole with a pitchfork at the end. The device was used to tear the flesh of the victim.

Chair of Spikes The victim would sit on the chair and weights would be placed on top of their body forcing their body into the metal spikes.

The Iron Maiden This device was in the shape of a person and it had sharp objects lining the inside. A person would be forced into the device and as it closed the person was hurt with sharp tips.

Burning at the Stake The victim was hung over a fire and burned to death. If resources were short they would place all of the victims next to each other and burn them at once. If the crime committed was so bad they would burn them by making them lay on hot coals where they were left to roast.

The Wheel Torture The victim had his hands attached to a wall and his feet were connected to a horse and the horse was then instructed to run. The victim would be attached to a wheel and the more the torturer spun the wheel the farther the person was stretched. Sometimes even fire was placed under the wheel so the person was burned.