Racking

By Crusader1307

The ''Rack'' was a Medieval torture device which consisted of a long wooden frame, slightly raised or inclined from the ground. Wooden rollers were installed at both ends of the frame. Ropes were threaded or attached to the rollers (2 at the top and 2 at the bottom). The Victim's hands and legs would be fastened to each, "stretching" them. Gradual tension would be applied. The result of prolonged exposure to being pulled would be dislocation of the Victim's bones or muscles being pulled or ripped. Given the state of Medieval medicine (if any was even offered), would not stop the real possibility of being crippled for life (if that was the goal). Bones would pop (or even snap). It was a useful tool for extracting information. It was also an effective psychological weapon. Often potential Victims would simply be shown another victim being "Racked" - with the same effect made! Often other forms of torture were applied - such as having one's fingernails removed or fire used to burn the flesh. Versions of Racks have been documented as far back as the 4th Century. This was popular in most Middle Ages Kingdoms and it's use went far into the 18th Century.