Branks

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A kind of iron gag, branks were used on suspected witches and as punishment for crimes such as blasphemy, slander and 'scolding'. They were also known as 'witches bridles'. These branks date from the 17th century and come from a town in north-east Fife.

Branks fit over the head, with a projecting plate passing into the mouth over the tongue.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-353-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MR 23
• Date: 17th century
  
• Material: Iron
  Branks / gag
  
• Dimensions: 212 mm H x 207 mm W x 224 mm depth
  
• What: Branks / gag
  
• Subject: Instruments, of torture (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Fife (east)
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron branks with a rowel-shaped gag, from a town in east Fife
  
• References:
• Translations:
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