Medieval Torture

Introduction Many castles had torture chambers The law did not contain rules about the treatment of people and torture Different types of torture were used depending on the crime and social status of the person Torture was a legitimate way to obtain confessions for trials in the Middle Ages http://undeniableme.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/cbl-clipart-legal.jpg

Pillory/Stock mild form of punishment used to humiliate crowds often threw objects, such as vegetables For more serious offenses, they might throw stones or objects. Took place in the market or plaza so the villagers could see the suffering http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/18100/18103/pillory_18103_lg.gif

The Brank Metal cage placed over the head of a person who gossiped or lied Used to humiliate Lasted a few hours to months.  http://www.medievality.com/brank.html

Foot roasting The victim's feet were imprisoned in the stocks and then red-hot coals were placed under them. If he refused to confess, his bare feet were exposed to the flames.  The torture progressed until the victim's feet were charred to the bone. http://www.medievality.com/images/torture/footstocks.jpg

The Rack http://www.onelargeprawn.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/the-rack.jpg

The Pendulum The victim's wrists were tied behind his back. As the torturer turned the handle, the rope slowly elevated eventually dislocating the victim's shoulders. This was very seldom a lethal torture method, as torturers used the pendulum mostly for inflicting psychological fear to extract confessions.  Many confessed by the mere sight of this device. http://www.phawker.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/torture_01.jpg

Exposure buried up to his neck letting any animals, insects or other people kill him slowly.  Sometimes sentenced to a short period of exposure, depending on the crime. Frequently died b/c they were defenseless In many cases, the victim was simply left to die of hunger and thirst.  http://www.beargrylls.com/images/buried_bear_grylls.jpg This was a very popular method to use, since it was inexpensive, yet effective. The victim's remains were often left to serve as a warning.

The Chair 500 to 1,500 spikes per chair It was a common practice to extract a confession by forcing the victim to watch someone else be tortured with this instrument.   Wounds were closed by the spikes which delayed blood loss greatly. Could live hours to days

Burning at the Stake Burning at the stake was a very common way to execute blasphemers (people who say/do things against the religion; in this case, Christianity), thieves, and witches. It was used throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. People were usually burned in a small fire so they would suffer. http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/burn-at-the-stake.jpg

Quartering If the tendons and ligaments still resisted the combined efforts of the four horses, the executioner assisted, and made several cuts with a hatchet on each joint. often lasted several hours When each horse had drawn out a limb, they were collected and placed near the trunk, which often still showed signs of life, and they were all burned together. http://www.wired.com/images/article/full/2007/10/torture_580x.jpg

Write Should our society have such devices for punishments today? Why/not? How would America change if we did?

Bibliography Anonymous. “Medieval Torture”. Middle Ages Encyclopedia. n.d. January 30, 2010 http://www.middle-ages.org.uk