"Swearing bridle" - a medieval instrument of torture for grumpy women
"Swearing bridle" - a medieval instrument of torture for grumpy women

Video: "Swearing bridle" - a medieval instrument of torture for grumpy women

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The swearing bridle is an instrument of torture for grumpy women
The swearing bridle is an instrument of torture for grumpy women

Gossip has always been an integral part of women's lives, whether it is discussing events in the office or on a bench near the house. However, there are also such "ladies" who cannot restrain themselves in the stream of criticism, which turns into abuse. V Middle Ages had their own methods of dealing with overly grumpy women. The guilty person was put on a kind of mask with a plate for the mouth, which did not allow her to utter a word.

Scold's bridle - swearing bridle
Scold's bridle - swearing bridle

The first officially registered "scold's bridle" or brank's bridle appeared in Scotland in 1567. It was used mainly for women, whose abuse and swearing went beyond what was permitted. According to the decision of local courts, the accused wore an iron mask or a hoop with a plate in the mouth, which was superimposed on the tongue. Often the plate was in thorns, so any movement with the tongue turned into real torture.

The punished woman in the "swearing bridle". Lithograph 1885
The punished woman in the "swearing bridle". Lithograph 1885
In punishment, the abusive women were taken around the city in masks
In punishment, the abusive women were taken around the city in masks

"Swearing bridles" were also used for women accused of witchcraft, Quaker preachers, or as corporal punishment for negligent workers. Often, depending on the severity of the charge, masked women were tied to a pillory or driven around the city. Some of the "bridles" had bells attached to attract attention. The crowd made fun of the victim, throwing rotten food at her.

"Bridle" in the form of a pig's muzzle
"Bridle" in the form of a pig's muzzle

It was believed that swearing made an animal out of a person, so many "bridles" resembled donkey or pig masks.

Mask for grumpy donkey ears
Mask for grumpy donkey ears

There are written testimonies that men, too, could have been imprisoned in a "swearing bridle" not only for abuse, but also for slander. This instrument of torture was used until the 19th century. In Germany, workers in factories continued to be punished in this way.

"Swearing bridle" of the 18th century
"Swearing bridle" of the 18th century
"Swearing bridle" with bells
"Swearing bridle" with bells

In the Middle Ages, they could be punished for the slightest offense. These 13 instruments of torture could make people confess to anything.

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