The Branks, or Scold's Bridle, is a sort of metal gag, which was principally
used on scolding housewives. It was typically fashioned as a cage that locked onto the
head, aided by a metal protrusion that fit into the mouth. This tongue-piece was often
enhanced with spikes or a rowel (small spiked wheel) to discourage attempts to speak. They
appear to have originated in Scotland in the 16th century and passed from there to England
and thence to the Americas, although there is some evidence that a type of branks may have
been used even earlier
Some were also fitted with a chain to permit securing the wearer in a public place.
Ancient houses in Congleton, Cheshire had a hook fixed beside the fireplace to which the
town gaoler could fix the community bridle if the wife nagged too much.
Occasionally a bell on a spring was added to herald the approach of the wearer. An example
of this type is on display in the Torture Chamber of the Tower of London.
Branks were also used to silence witches to prevent them from chanting or reciting their
magic spells.
In the Americas, the brankswere a type of humiliation punishment, while in medieval Europe, they were used more as a torture device.
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