History Extra podcast
Medieval torture: everything you wanted to know
Sep 7, 2024
Professor Hannah Skoda, a historian specializing in medieval studies, joins journalist Charlotte Hodgman to tackle the gruesome topic of medieval torture. They dive into why torture was employed and its legal standing, revealing surprising facts about its prevalence. The duo separates myths from facts about iconic torture devices, spotlighting a contemporary research project at the Tower of London. They also explore the psychological aspects of medieval trials, including Joan of Arc, and discuss how societal values shaped the evolution of torture leading up to the Reformation.
29:28
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Torture in medieval England was never legally sanctioned and was rarely used, illustrating a cultural reluctance toward its application in law enforcement.
- Contrary to popular belief, many infamous torture devices, like the Iron Maiden, were not commonly employed or even existed during the medieval period.
Deep dives
Legal Status of Torture in England
Torture was never legally sanctioned as a means of law enforcement in England, operating instead as an instrument of the state that could be authorized by the king. While the infamous case of Guy Fawkes exemplifies how torture was used under royal decree, it wasn't prevalent in English legal practice. In fact, instances of torture were rare, with many judges historically expressing reluctance to impose it, emphasizing a preference for legal principles over coercive tactics. This reluctance was particularly notable in cases where suspects were deemed to be standing mute, and judges often sought alternative means of obtaining pleas or evidence, indicating a cultural aversion towards torture.
