The Dark History of the Scold’s Bridle! | Lynne McCclure

A scold’s bridle, sometimes called a witch’s bridle, a gossip’s bridle, a brank’s bridle, or simply branks, was an instrument of punishment, as a form of public humiliation. It was an iron muzzle in an iron framework that enclosed the head Come see and learn more about our authentic scold’s bridle on display in the museum. Open today from 10-6 #scoldsbridle #punishment #darkhistory #truecrime #medieval #torture | Salem Museum of Torture

Scold’s Bridle, a Metal Mask Was Used to Punish Mainly Women Found Gossiping, Nagging, Brawling With Neighbors or Lying

🛑 Scold's bridle : instrument of torture and punishment. ✴️ The Middle Ages is a period well known for some severe forms of corporal punishment. The idea of punishing one’s body was deeply connected to the understanding of the Christian religion, for one thing. Small infractions led to harsh treatment at the hands of those in charge. ✴️ It was widely believed that only through pain and suffering could a person achieve innocence after a crime was committed. The bridle (or branks) was a form of m