Pitchcapping

By Crusader1307

Related to the Torture/Execution known as "Scalping", ''Pitchcapping'' was a form of Torture and Humiliation devised by The English Army and used against Irish Rebels during The Rebellion of 1798. With England's forced subjugation of Ireland, a Rebel Movement arose to resist them. When suspected Rebels were captured, this form of torture was implemented. Pitch was a thick, viscous substance used commonly in the 18th Century, as a fuel for lighting and heating. When exposed to air for a period, it would dry into a hard, almost rubber-like substance. British Soldiers would take a suspected Rebel and pour hot Pitch over the head and hair. Using a cloth to cover the area, it was allowed to harden. Taking a corner of the now fused cloth, the "cap" was slowly pulled up and backwards. As a result, the hair and scalp was torn off. The victim was "marked" (disfigured) for life. It was applied to both Men and Women. Later, British Commanders forbade the practice, but it was still seen in North America and portions of British Occupied India.