Jougs or witch's collar

Jougs, also known as witch's collars, were used to hold offenders by the neck and expose them in a public place for censure and ridicule. This example, with padlock, is from the old church of Clova in Angus.

The collar has a ring for attaching a chain. The chain would usually be fastened to the kirk wall or gate, or to a post or tree.

Witch's collars were common in Scotland from the 16th to the 18th century. They were used to punish people who had been tried before the local Kirk Session.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-001-344-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.MR 14
Date:	17th - 18th century 17th or 18th century
Material:
Dimensions:	155 mm x 120 mm (Padlock); 30 mm W x 70 mm Dia (Neck-ring)
What:	Jougs / collar
Subject:	Instruments, of torture (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Angus, Clova
Event:
Description:	Jougs with a padlock and key, from the old church of Clova, Angus
References:
Translations:
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