Date:1600 - 1650 (c.)
Description:An iron scold's bridle or brank from Stafford. Its date is uncertain, possibly early 17th century. The scold's bridle was generally employed as a punishment for slander and similar minor misdemeanors. The flat bit of the bridle covered the tongue and effectively prevented the victim from talking. Some bridles had bits that ended in a spike that lacerated the tongue if one tried to talk. Only very occasionally was it used upon men and as a punishment for crimes such as assault. They are also known to have been employed in the Workhouses. The Stafford 'scold's bridle' is inscribed GARRULA LINGUA NOCET - The Garrulous tongue causes harm. It was last used in 1838 when the Mayor used or threatened to use it upon Mary Careless and the incident was reported at the time in the Staffordshire Advertiser.
Click on an item to view details for that resource
Miss J. Greensill, a member of staff at Stafford Library and Museum wearing the scold's bridle for a ...
An iron scold's bridle or brank from Stafford. Its date is uncertain, possibly early 17th century. ...
Share:
Ordering:Click the button to add the item to your basket. Follow the link for further information on ordering.
Image courtesy of: Staffordshire Museum Service
Donor ref:86.024.1259 (37/17735)
Source: Staffordshire Museum Service
Copyright information: Copyrights to all resources are retained by the individual rights holders. They have kindly made their collections available for non-commercial private study & educational use. Re-distribution of resources in any form is only permitted subject to strict adherence to the usage guidelines.