21 Gruesome Medieval Torture Devices

Lasting from the 5th to 15th century, the Middle Ages was a time of kings ruling with iron fists, conquerors destroying kingdoms, and benevolent rulers. It was also a time of growth and innovation, but the old way of thinking and ancient traditions still existed in the world. Innovations in torture with a Medieval twist created some of the most ruthless medieval torture devices in history.  These heartless torture devices inflicted unimaginable pain and suffering. At that time, torture was a socially accepted way of extracting information, punishing someone, or executing them. People back then created some of the most disturbing torture devices of all time. These lethal devices prolonged the suffering until an even more painful death. Sometimes the torturer’s goal was to cause disfigurement and not death. It would be a constant reminder to the person and act as a warning to other people. All kinds of torture devices target different body parts. Public humiliation often played a significant role in several of the torture devices.  The creators took pleasure in making these cruel methods of pain. Many of the torture devices were elaborate and would last for weeks or months. Other instruments were simpler but no less cruel. Either way, the victim would be begging for the end. We should all be thankful that these inhumane torture devices are a thing of the past. Here’s a look at the 21 most gruesome torture devices.  21 Gruesome Medieval Torture Devices 

1. Head Crusher Top10Greatest/YouTube Undoubtedly the head crusher is one of the most violent and gruesome forms of torture. The name says it all and isn’t some cute nickname. The head crusher does precisely what the name implies; it crushes skulls. The head crusher is a metal helmet with a handle on the side. The top of the device connects to a plate that sits below the person’s jaw. The executioner would methodically turn the handle, crushing the person’s skull and face. If they managed to survive somehow, they’d have permanent damage and disfigurement. 
2. Iron Maiden Shutterstock Few torture devices were as cruel as the iron maiden. Big enough to fit a human, the horrifying machine featured an iron chamber with lethal spikes lining the inside. A person had to stand perfectly still to avoid the deadly spikes, which was another form of torture. Eventually, the victim’s legs would give out and they’d confess to every crime or suffer excruciating pain. 
3. Pear of Anguish Shutterstock Also known as a choke pear, the pear of anguish was a vile torture instrument used to inflict cruel punishment. It often caused severe injuries or death when used in the mouth. The torturer would insert a metal pear-shaped device with spikes into the mouth of the offender. Next, the torturer would slowly turn the key, expanding the device in the mouth. They would also insert the device into the lower part of the body to inflict permanent damage.
4. The Rack Marshall’s Docs/YouTube Not every torture device ends in death. In Medieval times, it was about bringing the offenders close to death and starting over. They would inflict as much pain as possible, leaving the victim to die slowly. The famous torture rack was a favorite of every torturer and executioner in the Middle Ages. The torture rack would attach to the victim’s hands and feet, stretching out the victim’s body beyond its limit. It caused an utterly slow death that would take days and sometimes weeks. The rack is one of the cruelest torture devices in history. 
5. Knee Splitter Marshall’s Docs/YouTube The main goal of an interrogation is to extract information from the prisoner. A dead prisoner isn’t much use to anyone, hence many torture devices in the Middle Ages were about causing unbearable pain. The cruel torture device known as the knee splitter was particularly popular during the Spanish Inquisition. The device featured two spiked blocks with giant screws in each one. Once placed around the victim’s knees, the torturer would turn the screw, destroying the knees. The knee splitter was a brutal form of torture that could end in death. 
6. The Brazen Bull Captain Darrow/YouTube Some historians believe the brazen bull was simply a myth of the Middle Ages. Let’s hope it was just a story made up to scare kids. If not, the brazen bull was a twisted torture device from a horror movie. With its roots in Ancient Greece, the brazen bull consisted of bronze and was big enough to fit a human. Once the intended victim was inside, the executioner would light a fire underneath the bull. A special attachment made the person’s screams sound like a bull as it cooked the victim alive.
7. Iron Chair Top Trending/YouTube The iron chair was a popular but cruel method of torture in the Middle Ages. Few terrifying machines could strike fear into the hearts of their victims like the iron chair. In one version, the executioner would light a fire under the iron chair and roast the prisoner alive. Another version featured the iron chair piercing the victims all over their bodies as they sat in the chair. Regardless of the type of iron chair used, it caused unbelievable amounts of suffering. 

See more about - 20 Terrifying Torture Devices That Will Give You the Creeps

8. Judas Cradle Ridddle/YouTube Prepare to clench up as we journey into the dark ages with the Judas cradle. Inspired by the iron chair, the Judas cradle could extract information from a prisoner or execute them with a horrible method. The victim would sit on a chair with no seat. In the seat’s place was a razor-sharp pyramid. The executioner would then insert the pyramid into the victim’s private area. The cruel torture device would often result in an excruciating death.
9. Rat Torture Top10Greatest/YouTube Throughout history, the Tower of London has been many things, including a home, a tourist attraction, and a prison. During the Middle Ages, it was the perfect place for rat torture due to its location over the River Thames. It was a simple yet horrifying and disgusting torture method where the torturer would force a rat to enter the rear and run through the person’s body. Another method involved placing a rat on a person’s stomach and keeping it trapped with a bucket over the top of it. The bucket would then be heated up, causing the rat to try and claw its way out through the victim’s belly. 
10. The Tub List 25/YouTube The tub might actually be the most disgusting and painful form of torture despite the previous entry. The main idea behind the elaborate setup was to extend the unbearable suffering for days, weeks, or even months. The victim would be tied to a tub by their hands and feet. Next, they’re covered in honey from head to toe to attract insects and rodents. They would crawl all over the face and body for hours, feasting on the victim. However, the torturer would feed the victim so they would keep living and suffer the cruel treatment again and again. 
11. Spanish Donkey List 25/YouTube The Spanish donkey caused so much pain that the victim would beg for death. Also known as the wooden horse, the person would sit on the tip of a triangular board with weights added to the feet to ensure suffering. While on the Spanish donkey, it was common for the victim to endure being publicly tarred and feathered. It was a horrifying torture device that inflicted unbearable amounts of endless pain.
12. The Breaking Wheel  Marshall’s Docs/YouTube The Wheel of Catherine, or breaking wheel, was a popular form of execution in Europe during the Middle Ages. Often used for public executions, the breaking wheel took a slow, painful death to a whole new level. The offender would be attached to a giant wheel that would spin. Next, the executioner would viciously break the victim’s limbs with a club. The person would be left on the wheel until they died from their injuries, which sometimes took several days. King Henry VII often employed the breaking wheel during his reign. 
13. The Spanish Tickler  Facts Bin – Dark History/YouTube Don’t let the name fool you. The Spanish tickler is a brutal torture device meant to cause permanent damage and disfigurement. During interrogations, the torturer would latch the device’s claws onto a part of the body. It would dig deep into the skin and bones. Then the torturer would yank on the device, pulling off chunks of flesh and body parts. It could sometimes end in death, but it wouldn’t happen for days. It’s safe to say the Spanish tickler is one of the Middle Ages’ most horrifying torture devices. 
14. Water Cure FFreeThinker/YouTube Water cure torture became common during the Middle Ages. It was one of the most typical forms of torture, causing immense pain and possibly death. It was a simple but ruthless method of torture involving the torturer forcing the victim to drink large quantities of water, which caused digestive issues and sometimes death. However, the torturer would often cause the victim to vomit so they could continue the water cure torture. They would often force the victim to drink their own bodily fluids. This form of torture continues today and is known as waterboarding. 

See more about - 12 Serial Killers That Were Never Caught

15. The Scavenger’s Daughter Shutterstock During the reign of King Henry VIII, the torture device known as the scavenger’s daughter became widespread throughout the kingdom. In contrast with the torture rack, the scavenger’s daughter would force a person into a crouched position, slowly crushing them. The simple metal A-shaped device would connect to the head, hands, and feet. The victims suffered for hours, with the nose and ears bleeding first. Eventually, they would succumb to their injuries and die. It’s one of the cruelest forms of punishment. 
16. Tongue Tearer List 25/YouTube The tongue tearer is one of the Middle Ages’ most brutal and violent devices. Clearly, the torturers of the day had a knack for targeting the most sensitive parts of the body. Therefore, the tongue and mouth were favorite targets during interrogations. The torturer would attach the device to the victim’s tongue and slowly pull it out of the mouth. Each time it would take off chunks of the tongue, causing excruciating pain. 
17. Saw Torture  List 25/YouTube While the Middle Ages featured several complex torture devices, the saw torture method was not one of them. Often, torturers from the time would take a straightforward approach and unleash unimaginable pain. For example, the saw torture involved the torturer sawing a conscious person from different angles. The torturer would often drag out the cutting and make the person stay awake for as long as possible. Within minutes the person would be begging for it to be over. 
18. Coffin Torture Top10Greatest/YouTube Coffin torture doesn’t involve getting buried in a coffin, but the victims would often prefer that death to the pain of the coffin torture. It’s another simple concept that tries to extend the suffering for as long as possible. It would often be part of a more extensive torture ritual. The victim would be placed in a cage coffin and publicly displayed for the locals. This was done for two main reasons. First, it would make the locals think twice about committing a crime. Secondly, the public humiliation they had to endure would make them the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. This only added to the torture they’d already suffered.
19. Iron Spider Flickr The Middle Ages was a horrible time for women to be alive. Many of the laws focused on women more than men. For instance, they would torture and execute women for claims of being a witch, having an abortion, or rumors of an affair. Many of the most wretched torture devices targeted women to cause permanent disfigurement. The hideous iron spider was a metal device that would attach to a woman’s breast. When retracted, it would yank off pieces of the breast and body. It sometimes resulted in death and was a horrible way to die.  
20. Led Sprinkler List 25/YouTube Most torture devices from the Middle Ages focus on slowly and methodically inflicting near-death pain. A great example is the lead sprinkler. The end goal was death, but getting there could take days or weeks. It was a simple device that resembled a ladle with an iron handle. The torturer would place a liquid in the ladle, such as boiling water, acid, or molten lead. They would then slowly drip the liquid all over the victim’s body, causing unthinkable pain. Eventually, they would pour the molten lead into the eyes, mouth, or private areas to execute the victim. 
21. The Collar Shutterstock The Middle Ages were full of torture devices that were cruel and elaborate. However, many torturers went for heartless and simple devices to carry out their job. The Medieval torture device, the collar, is something out of a B-level horror movie. It was tight enough around the neck to cause a bit of choking but not too much. The main point was to hold the victim’s head in place for days without laying down or sitting. Eventually, the collar would come off, but that was the second phase of the torture. Now, the victim would struggle to breathe, eat, and sleep.

See more about - 10 Famous Witches Throughout History

Lasting from the 5th to 15th century, the Middle Ages was a time of kings ruling with iron fists, conquerors destroying kingdoms, and benevolent rulers. It was also a time of growth and innovation, but the old way of thinking and ancient traditions still existed in the world. Innovations in torture with a Medieval twist created some of the most ruthless medieval torture devices in history.  These heartless torture devices inflicted unimaginable pain and suffering. At that time, torture was a socially accepted way of extracting information, punishing someone, or executing them. People back then created some of the most disturbing torture devices of all time. These lethal devices prolonged the suffering until an even more painful death. Sometimes the torturer’s goal was to cause disfigurement and not death. It would be a constant reminder to the person and act as a warning to other people. All kinds of torture devices target different body parts. Public humiliation often played a significant role in several of the torture devices.  The creators took pleasure in making these cruel methods of pain. Many of the torture devices were elaborate and would last for weeks or months. Other instruments were simpler but no less cruel. Either way, the victim would be begging for the end. We should all be thankful that these inhumane torture devices are a thing of the past. Here’s a look at the 21 most gruesome torture devices.  21 Gruesome Medieval Torture Devices 

1. Head Crusher Top10Greatest/YouTube Undoubtedly the head crusher is one of the most violent and gruesome forms of torture. The name says it all and isn’t some cute nickname. The head crusher does precisely what the name implies; it crushes skulls. The head crusher is a metal helmet with a handle on the side. The top of the device connects to a plate that sits below the person’s jaw. The executioner would methodically turn the handle, crushing the person’s skull and face. If they managed to survive somehow, they’d have permanent damage and disfigurement. 
2. Iron Maiden Shutterstock Few torture devices were as cruel as the iron maiden. Big enough to fit a human, the horrifying machine featured an iron chamber with lethal spikes lining the inside. A person had to stand perfectly still to avoid the deadly spikes, which was another form of torture. Eventually, the victim’s legs would give out and they’d confess to every crime or suffer excruciating pain. 
3. Pear of Anguish Shutterstock Also known as a choke pear, the pear of anguish was a vile torture instrument used to inflict cruel punishment. It often caused severe injuries or death when used in the mouth. The torturer would insert a metal pear-shaped device with spikes into the mouth of the offender. Next, the torturer would slowly turn the key, expanding the device in the mouth. They would also insert the device into the lower part of the body to inflict permanent damage.
4. The Rack Marshall’s Docs/YouTube Not every torture device ends in death. In Medieval times, it was about bringing the offenders close to death and starting over. They would inflict as much pain as possible, leaving the victim to die slowly. The famous torture rack was a favorite of every torturer and executioner in the Middle Ages. The torture rack would attach to the victim’s hands and feet, stretching out the victim’s body beyond its limit. It caused an utterly slow death that would take days and sometimes weeks. The rack is one of the cruelest torture devices in history. 
5. Knee Splitter Marshall’s Docs/YouTube The main goal of an interrogation is to extract information from the prisoner. A dead prisoner isn’t much use to anyone, hence many torture devices in the Middle Ages were about causing unbearable pain. The cruel torture device known as the knee splitter was particularly popular during the Spanish Inquisition. The device featured two spiked blocks with giant screws in each one. Once placed around the victim’s knees, the torturer would turn the screw, destroying the knees. The knee splitter was a brutal form of torture that could end in death. 
6. The Brazen Bull Captain Darrow/YouTube Some historians believe the brazen bull was simply a myth of the Middle Ages. Let’s hope it was just a story made up to scare kids. If not, the brazen bull was a twisted torture device from a horror movie. With its roots in Ancient Greece, the brazen bull consisted of bronze and was big enough to fit a human. Once the intended victim was inside, the executioner would light a fire underneath the bull. A special attachment made the person’s screams sound like a bull as it cooked the victim alive.
7. Iron Chair Top Trending/YouTube The iron chair was a popular but cruel method of torture in the Middle Ages. Few terrifying machines could strike fear into the hearts of their victims like the iron chair. In one version, the executioner would light a fire under the iron chair and roast the prisoner alive. Another version featured the iron chair piercing the victims all over their bodies as they sat in the chair. Regardless of the type of iron chair used, it caused unbelievable amounts of suffering. 

See more about - 20 Terrifying Torture Devices That Will Give You the Creeps

8. Judas Cradle Ridddle/YouTube Prepare to clench up as we journey into the dark ages with the Judas cradle. Inspired by the iron chair, the Judas cradle could extract information from a prisoner or execute them with a horrible method. The victim would sit on a chair with no seat. In the seat’s place was a razor-sharp pyramid. The executioner would then insert the pyramid into the victim’s private area. The cruel torture device would often result in an excruciating death.
9. Rat Torture Top10Greatest/YouTube Throughout history, the Tower of London has been many things, including a home, a tourist attraction, and a prison. During the Middle Ages, it was the perfect place for rat torture due to its location over the River Thames. It was a simple yet horrifying and disgusting torture method where the torturer would force a rat to enter the rear and run through the person’s body. Another method involved placing a rat on a person’s stomach and keeping it trapped with a bucket over the top of it. The bucket would then be heated up, causing the rat to try and claw its way out through the victim’s belly. 
10. The Tub List 25/YouTube The tub might actually be the most disgusting and painful form of torture despite the previous entry. The main idea behind the elaborate setup was to extend the unbearable suffering for days, weeks, or even months. The victim would be tied to a tub by their hands and feet. Next, they’re covered in honey from head to toe to attract insects and rodents. They would crawl all over the face and body for hours, feasting on the victim. However, the torturer would feed the victim so they would keep living and suffer the cruel treatment again and again. 
11. Spanish Donkey List 25/YouTube The Spanish donkey caused so much pain that the victim would beg for death. Also known as the wooden horse, the person would sit on the tip of a triangular board with weights added to the feet to ensure suffering. While on the Spanish donkey, it was common for the victim to endure being publicly tarred and feathered. It was a horrifying torture device that inflicted unbearable amounts of endless pain.
12. The Breaking Wheel  Marshall’s Docs/YouTube The Wheel of Catherine, or breaking wheel, was a popular form of execution in Europe during the Middle Ages. Often used for public executions, the breaking wheel took a slow, painful death to a whole new level. The offender would be attached to a giant wheel that would spin. Next, the executioner would viciously break the victim’s limbs with a club. The person would be left on the wheel until they died from their injuries, which sometimes took several days. King Henry VII often employed the breaking wheel during his reign. 
13. The Spanish Tickler  Facts Bin – Dark History/YouTube Don’t let the name fool you. The Spanish tickler is a brutal torture device meant to cause permanent damage and disfigurement. During interrogations, the torturer would latch the device’s claws onto a part of the body. It would dig deep into the skin and bones. Then the torturer would yank on the device, pulling off chunks of flesh and body parts. It could sometimes end in death, but it wouldn’t happen for days. It’s safe to say the Spanish tickler is one of the Middle Ages’ most horrifying torture devices. 
14. Water Cure FFreeThinker/YouTube Water cure torture became common during the Middle Ages. It was one of the most typical forms of torture, causing immense pain and possibly death. It was a simple but ruthless method of torture involving the torturer forcing the victim to drink large quantities of water, which caused digestive issues and sometimes death. However, the torturer would often cause the victim to vomit so they could continue the water cure torture. They would often force the victim to drink their own bodily fluids. This form of torture continues today and is known as waterboarding. 

See more about - 12 Serial Killers That Were Never Caught

15. The Scavenger’s Daughter Shutterstock During the reign of King Henry VIII, the torture device known as the scavenger’s daughter became widespread throughout the kingdom. In contrast with the torture rack, the scavenger’s daughter would force a person into a crouched position, slowly crushing them. The simple metal A-shaped device would connect to the head, hands, and feet. The victims suffered for hours, with the nose and ears bleeding first. Eventually, they would succumb to their injuries and die. It’s one of the cruelest forms of punishment. 
16. Tongue Tearer List 25/YouTube The tongue tearer is one of the Middle Ages’ most brutal and violent devices. Clearly, the torturers of the day had a knack for targeting the most sensitive parts of the body. Therefore, the tongue and mouth were favorite targets during interrogations. The torturer would attach the device to the victim’s tongue and slowly pull it out of the mouth. Each time it would take off chunks of the tongue, causing excruciating pain. 
17. Saw Torture  List 25/YouTube While the Middle Ages featured several complex torture devices, the saw torture method was not one of them. Often, torturers from the time would take a straightforward approach and unleash unimaginable pain. For example, the saw torture involved the torturer sawing a conscious person from different angles. The torturer would often drag out the cutting and make the person stay awake for as long as possible. Within minutes the person would be begging for it to be over. 
18. Coffin Torture Top10Greatest/YouTube Coffin torture doesn’t involve getting buried in a coffin, but the victims would often prefer that death to the pain of the coffin torture. It’s another simple concept that tries to extend the suffering for as long as possible. It would often be part of a more extensive torture ritual. The victim would be placed in a cage coffin and publicly displayed for the locals. This was done for two main reasons. First, it would make the locals think twice about committing a crime. Secondly, the public humiliation they had to endure would make them the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. This only added to the torture they’d already suffered.
19. Iron Spider Flickr The Middle Ages was a horrible time for women to be alive. Many of the laws focused on women more than men. For instance, they would torture and execute women for claims of being a witch, having an abortion, or rumors of an affair. Many of the most wretched torture devices targeted women to cause permanent disfigurement. The hideous iron spider was a metal device that would attach to a woman’s breast. When retracted, it would yank off pieces of the breast and body. It sometimes resulted in death and was a horrible way to die.  
20. Led Sprinkler List 25/YouTube Most torture devices from the Middle Ages focus on slowly and methodically inflicting near-death pain. A great example is the lead sprinkler. The end goal was death, but getting there could take days or weeks. It was a simple device that resembled a ladle with an iron handle. The torturer would place a liquid in the ladle, such as boiling water, acid, or molten lead. They would then slowly drip the liquid all over the victim’s body, causing unthinkable pain. Eventually, they would pour the molten lead into the eyes, mouth, or private areas to execute the victim. 
21. The Collar Shutterstock The Middle Ages were full of torture devices that were cruel and elaborate. However, many torturers went for heartless and simple devices to carry out their job. The Medieval torture device, the collar, is something out of a B-level horror movie. It was tight enough around the neck to cause a bit of choking but not too much. The main point was to hold the victim’s head in place for days without laying down or sitting. Eventually, the collar would come off, but that was the second phase of the torture. Now, the victim would struggle to breathe, eat, and sleep.

See more about - 10 Famous Witches Throughout History

Lasting from the 5th to 15th century, the Middle Ages was a time of kings ruling with iron fists, conquerors destroying kingdoms, and benevolent rulers. It was also a time of growth and innovation, but the old way of thinking and ancient traditions still existed in the world. Innovations in torture with a Medieval twist created some of the most ruthless medieval torture devices in history. 

These heartless torture devices inflicted unimaginable pain and suffering. At that time, torture was a socially accepted way of extracting information, punishing someone, or executing them. People back then created some of the most disturbing torture devices of all time.

These lethal devices prolonged the suffering until an even more painful death. Sometimes the torturer’s goal was to cause disfigurement and not death. It would be a constant reminder to the person and act as a warning to other people. All kinds of torture devices target different body parts. Public humiliation often played a significant role in several of the torture devices. 

The creators took pleasure in making these cruel methods of pain. Many of the torture devices were elaborate and would last for weeks or months. Other instruments were simpler but no less cruel. Either way, the victim would be begging for the end. We should all be thankful that these inhumane torture devices are a thing of the past. Here’s a look at the 21 most gruesome torture devices. 

21 Gruesome Medieval Torture Devices 

1. Head Crusher

Top10Greatest/YouTube

Undoubtedly the head crusher is one of the most violent and gruesome forms of torture. The name says it all and isn’t some cute nickname. The head crusher does precisely what the name implies; it crushes skulls.

The head crusher is a metal helmet with a handle on the side. The top of the device connects to a plate that sits below the person’s jaw. The executioner would methodically turn the handle, crushing the person’s skull and face. If they managed to survive somehow, they’d have permanent damage and disfigurement. 

2. Iron Maiden

Shutterstock

Few torture devices were as cruel as the iron maiden. Big enough to fit a human, the horrifying machine featured an iron chamber with lethal spikes lining the inside. A person had to stand perfectly still to avoid the deadly spikes, which was another form of torture.

Eventually, the victim’s legs would give out and they’d confess to every crime or suffer excruciating pain. 

3. Pear of Anguish

Also known as a choke pear, the pear of anguish was a vile torture instrument used to inflict cruel punishment. It often caused severe injuries or death when used in the mouth.

The torturer would insert a metal pear-shaped device with spikes into the mouth of the offender. Next, the torturer would slowly turn the key, expanding the device in the mouth. They would also insert the device into the lower part of the body to inflict permanent damage.

4. The Rack

Marshall’s Docs/YouTube

Not every torture device ends in death. In Medieval times, it was about bringing the offenders close to death and starting over. They would inflict as much pain as possible, leaving the victim to die slowly.

The famous torture rack was a favorite of every torturer and executioner in the Middle Ages. The torture rack would attach to the victim’s hands and feet, stretching out the victim’s body beyond its limit. It caused an utterly slow death that would take days and sometimes weeks. The rack is one of the cruelest torture devices in history. 

5. Knee Splitter

The main goal of an interrogation is to extract information from the prisoner. A dead prisoner isn’t much use to anyone, hence many torture devices in the Middle Ages were about causing unbearable pain. The cruel torture device known as the knee splitter was particularly popular during the Spanish Inquisition.

The device featured two spiked blocks with giant screws in each one. Once placed around the victim’s knees, the torturer would turn the screw, destroying the knees. The knee splitter was a brutal form of torture that could end in death. 

6. The Brazen Bull

Captain Darrow/YouTube

Some historians believe the brazen bull was simply a myth of the Middle Ages. Let’s hope it was just a story made up to scare kids. If not, the brazen bull was a twisted torture device from a horror movie.

With its roots in Ancient Greece, the brazen bull consisted of bronze and was big enough to fit a human. Once the intended victim was inside, the executioner would light a fire underneath the bull. A special attachment made the person’s screams sound like a bull as it cooked the victim alive.

7. Iron Chair

Top Trending/YouTube

The iron chair was a popular but cruel method of torture in the Middle Ages. Few terrifying machines could strike fear into the hearts of their victims like the iron chair.

In one version, the executioner would light a fire under the iron chair and roast the prisoner alive. Another version featured the iron chair piercing the victims all over their bodies as they sat in the chair. Regardless of the type of iron chair used, it caused unbelievable amounts of suffering. 

See more about - 20 Terrifying Torture Devices That Will Give You the Creeps

8. Judas Cradle

Ridddle/YouTube

Prepare to clench up as we journey into the dark ages with the Judas cradle. Inspired by the iron chair, the Judas cradle could extract information from a prisoner or execute them with a horrible method.

See more about - 20 Terrifying Torture Devices That Will Give You the Creeps

The victim would sit on a chair with no seat. In the seat’s place was a razor-sharp pyramid. The executioner would then insert the pyramid into the victim’s private area. The cruel torture device would often result in an excruciating death.

9. Rat Torture

Throughout history, the Tower of London has been many things, including a home, a tourist attraction, and a prison. During the Middle Ages, it was the perfect place for rat torture due to its location over the River Thames.

It was a simple yet horrifying and disgusting torture method where the torturer would force a rat to enter the rear and run through the person’s body. Another method involved placing a rat on a person’s stomach and keeping it trapped with a bucket over the top of it. The bucket would then be heated up, causing the rat to try and claw its way out through the victim’s belly. 

10. The Tub

List 25/YouTube

The tub might actually be the most disgusting and painful form of torture despite the previous entry. The main idea behind the elaborate setup was to extend the unbearable suffering for days, weeks, or even months.

The victim would be tied to a tub by their hands and feet. Next, they’re covered in honey from head to toe to attract insects and rodents. They would crawl all over the face and body for hours, feasting on the victim. However, the torturer would feed the victim so they would keep living and suffer the cruel treatment again and again. 

11. Spanish Donkey

The Spanish donkey caused so much pain that the victim would beg for death. Also known as the wooden horse, the person would sit on the tip of a triangular board with weights added to the feet to ensure suffering.

While on the Spanish donkey, it was common for the victim to endure being publicly tarred and feathered. It was a horrifying torture device that inflicted unbearable amounts of endless pain.

12. The Breaking Wheel 

The Wheel of Catherine, or breaking wheel, was a popular form of execution in Europe during the Middle Ages. Often used for public executions, the breaking wheel took a slow, painful death to a whole new level.

The offender would be attached to a giant wheel that would spin. Next, the executioner would viciously break the victim’s limbs with a club. The person would be left on the wheel until they died from their injuries, which sometimes took several days. King Henry VII often employed the breaking wheel during his reign. 

13. The Spanish Tickler 

Facts Bin – Dark History/YouTube

Don’t let the name fool you. The Spanish tickler is a brutal torture device meant to cause permanent damage and disfigurement.

During interrogations, the torturer would latch the device’s claws onto a part of the body. It would dig deep into the skin and bones. Then the torturer would yank on the device, pulling off chunks of flesh and body parts. It could sometimes end in death, but it wouldn’t happen for days. It’s safe to say the Spanish tickler is one of the Middle Ages’ most horrifying torture devices. 

14. Water Cure

FFreeThinker/YouTube

Water cure torture became common during the Middle Ages. It was one of the most typical forms of torture, causing immense pain and possibly death. It was a simple but ruthless method of torture involving the torturer forcing the victim to drink large quantities of water, which caused digestive issues and sometimes death.

However, the torturer would often cause the victim to vomit so they could continue the water cure torture. They would often force the victim to drink their own bodily fluids. This form of torture continues today and is known as waterboarding. 

See more about - 12 Serial Killers That Were Never Caught

15. The Scavenger’s Daughter

During the reign of King Henry VIII, the torture device known as the scavenger’s daughter became widespread throughout the kingdom. In contrast with the torture rack, the scavenger’s daughter would force a person into a crouched position, slowly crushing them. The simple metal A-shaped device would connect to the head, hands, and feet. The victims suffered for hours, with the nose and ears bleeding first. Eventually, they would succumb to their injuries and die. It’s one of the cruelest forms of punishment. 

See more about - 12 Serial Killers That Were Never Caught

16. Tongue Tearer

The tongue tearer is one of the Middle Ages’ most brutal and violent devices. Clearly, the torturers of the day had a knack for targeting the most sensitive parts of the body. Therefore, the tongue and mouth were favorite targets during interrogations.

The torturer would attach the device to the victim’s tongue and slowly pull it out of the mouth. Each time it would take off chunks of the tongue, causing excruciating pain. 

17. Saw Torture 

While the Middle Ages featured several complex torture devices, the saw torture method was not one of them. Often, torturers from the time would take a straightforward approach and unleash unimaginable pain.

For example, the saw torture involved the torturer sawing a conscious person from different angles. The torturer would often drag out the cutting and make the person stay awake for as long as possible. Within minutes the person would be begging for it to be over. 

18. Coffin Torture

Coffin torture doesn’t involve getting buried in a coffin, but the victims would often prefer that death to the pain of the coffin torture. It’s another simple concept that tries to extend the suffering for as long as possible. It would often be part of a more extensive torture ritual.

The victim would be placed in a cage coffin and publicly displayed for the locals. This was done for two main reasons. First, it would make the locals think twice about committing a crime. Secondly, the public humiliation they had to endure would make them the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. This only added to the torture they’d already suffered.

19. Iron Spider

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The Middle Ages was a horrible time for women to be alive. Many of the laws focused on women more than men. For instance, they would torture and execute women for claims of being a witch, having an abortion, or rumors of an affair.

Many of the most wretched torture devices targeted women to cause permanent disfigurement. The hideous iron spider was a metal device that would attach to a woman’s breast. When retracted, it would yank off pieces of the breast and body. It sometimes resulted in death and was a horrible way to die.  

20. Led Sprinkler

Most torture devices from the Middle Ages focus on slowly and methodically inflicting near-death pain. A great example is the lead sprinkler. The end goal was death, but getting there could take days or weeks. It was a simple device that resembled a ladle with an iron handle.

The torturer would place a liquid in the ladle, such as boiling water, acid, or molten lead. They would then slowly drip the liquid all over the victim’s body, causing unthinkable pain. Eventually, they would pour the molten lead into the eyes, mouth, or private areas to execute the victim. 

21. The Collar

The Middle Ages were full of torture devices that were cruel and elaborate. However, many torturers went for heartless and simple devices to carry out their job. The Medieval torture device, the collar, is something out of a B-level horror movie.

It was tight enough around the neck to cause a bit of choking but not too much. The main point was to hold the victim’s head in place for days without laying down or sitting. Eventually, the collar would come off, but that was the second phase of the torture. Now, the victim would struggle to breathe, eat, and sleep.

See more about - 10 Famous Witches Throughout History

See more about - 10 Famous Witches Throughout History