The **scold’s bridle**, also known as **branks** in Great Britain, is a system of punishment and public humiliation that emerged in the 16th century in Germany and has spread throughout Northern Europe, including England and Scotland.

1. **Physical Description**:
– The scold’s bridle consisted of an iron frame surrounding the head, with a prominent nose piece and a bridle or bite entering the mouth.
– The bridle could be equipped with sharp tips or edges to cause pain if the person tried to speak.
– An articulated neck ring and an attached bell complemented the device, drawing the attention of the public and increasing humiliation.

2. **Usage and Targets** :
– Mainly used to punish women accused of gossiping, nagging or disruptive behaviour, the scold’s bridle aimed at silencing them and publicly humiliating them.
– Although women have been the main targets, men have also been subjected to this punishment in some cases.

3. **Historical Context**:
– The scold’s bridle reflects the patriarchal beliefs of the time, when dissenting voices, especially those of women, were systematically suppressed.
– Local courts in Scotland and England often imposed this punishment for minor offences, such as talking too freely or criticizing authorities.

4. ** Effects and Consequences **:
– Wearing the scold’s bridle caused not only physical pain but also intense psychological humiliation.
– Punished people were often driven through the city, exposed to ridicule and public disdain.

5. **Evolution and Abandonment**:
– Over time, the use of the scold’s bridle has decreased, in part due to the evolution of social atтιтudes and the rise of movements for women’s rights.
– Today, these devices are mainly kept in museums as evidence of past punitive practices.