Torture In The Tudor Times By Nihaal Aziz

The Spanish Donkey �The Spanish Donkey was definitely a feared object in the middle ages. A prisoner would sit on a thin piece of wood while heavy weights were added to their feet, and with enough weight, the wedge could even cut through the victim’s body. More weights would be added until it is too difficult for the prisoner to handle and they would have to confess.

Pictures of the Spanish Donkey

Skeffington’s Irons �Skeffington’s Irons was named after its inventor which was Sir Leonard Skeffington who was actually once the head torturer for King Henry the eighth. It was basically designed to keep the prisoner in a very uncomfortable position to force them to confess. Either they could own up to the unlawful act or they could have their back brocken. This particular torment was not actually used that often.

Pictures of the Skeffington’s Irons

The Rack �The victim would be stretched for hours. This causes the prisoners to get dislocated bones. There were no laws or rules to protect the treatment of prisoners who faced torture and there was only one rack in all of England it was located in the Tower of London.

Picture of The Rack

The Juda Cradle �The prisoner would be hung above a sharp pointy pyramid and then he/she would be put onto it. The sharp pointy part would go up between the legs.

Pictures of The Juda Cradle

The Press �Someone would have to lay underneath a big wooden board while heavy stones or weights would be added on top of the board. If the prisoner does not confess, more stones would be put on top until he/she finally confesses to the crime.

Picture of The Press

The Scottish Boot �The prisoner would have to wear a heavy metal boot with big wooden wedges would be hammered down the sides. Eventually the leg and the ankles would be crushed very badly.

Picture of The Scottish Boot