Iron Maiden

By Crusader1307

As odd as it may sound, "The Iron Maiden" may NOT fit into the realm of Middle Ages Torture Devices. Historians have argued for years about it being nothing but a "perceived" or "fantasy" device. No actual accounts of a functioning Iron Maiden can be found prior to 1793. Most example are pieced together components from other artifacts of the Middle Ages, with a bit of imagination added. Often created for the tourism trade in the 19th Century, these devices would be displayed outside (or inside) of Chamber of Horrors and Waworks (to great effect). Originally constructed (and confused with) a 17th Century device known as the Schanmantel  or The "Coat of Shame".  This was a wooden and metal device used for public humiliation and shame (similar to a gibbet). Added to his device was an ancient Carthaginian practice of placing a Victim inside a wooden box lined with spikes and sealing same. (We start seeing a pattern). The most recognizable and famous of the "Maidens" is "The Iron Maiden of Nuremberg". It appears around 1802. On display until 1944, it was sadly destroyed in a bombing raid (WWII). The current version on display is a reproduction. Several decades ago, she would start the debate of a 1515 document stating she was been used in that year (thus establishing her linage in the Medieval world). The document has since been proven forged.