Scold's Bridle - Museum of Witchcraft and Magic - Boscastle, Cornwall - Punishment and Disciplinary Devices on Waymarking.com

A Scold's Bridle, also Wrist Shackle and Waistband, displayed inside the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle.

"Scold's Bridle or Branks - (visit link)
The Scold's Bridle was not solely used on suspected witches. Its primary use was for scolds (women who were argumentative, gossipy, naging). Some of these women may also have been accused of witchcraft but some may not. It is sometimes very difficult to distinguish between a scold and a witch as both were said to use words to hurt and both were seen as wild, uncontrollahle women in a society dominated by men. For this reason, the historian James Sharpe. has referred to
‘...the witch, and her sister, the scold.’

The purpose of this object was to hold the tongue down and prevent the person from speaking... There were also cases when the Scold's Bridle was used as a method of torture. In 1591 Agnes Sampson of Berwick, Scotland ‘was pinned to the wall of her cell by an iron witch's bridle, which had four sharp prongs that were forced into her mouth, against her tongue and cheeks . . ' Agnes eventually confessed to witchcraft and was strangled and burned.

Wrist Shackle - (visit link)
A small wrist shackle used for female prisoners in Launceston Castle. This is one of several items recovered from the rubble of the witch's tower of Launceston castle when it collapsed and fell into the roadway skirting the castle many years ago.

Waist Band - (visit link)
Early waist band of the type shown in many contemporary illustrations of the persecution of witches during the 16th and 17th centuries."

SOURCE - info board

More information on the Scold's bridle - (visit link)

Opening hours:

Open daily from April until November
Monday to Saturday 10.30am – 6pm (last entry 5.00pm)
Sunday from 11.30 – 6pm (last entry 5.00pm)

Prices for entry:

£5 – Adults (aged 16-59 years)
£4 – Children (aged 6-15 years)
Concessions anf family tickets are available

Type of Device: Collection - Scold's Bridle, Wrist Shackle, Waistband What is the approximate age?: 01/01/1650 How do you rate this item?: Associated Website: [Web Link]

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