Scottish Maiden

By Crusader1307

The name ''Scottish Maiden'' was given to an execution device used in Scotland beginning in 1564 AD. In essence, The ''Maiden'' was a shortened version of The Guillotine (made popular in France during The French Revolution several hundred years from that date). It was authorized for use by Mary, Queen of Scots. Several hundred people would meet their end on the blade of The Maiden before it's use was banned in 1716. Made of wood, the Accused was strapped to a bench with His or Her head extended off from the end of the beach. A pulley system raised a common battle axe, affixed to a series of grooves placed into a frame (which was placed over the bench and ''aimed'' at the neck of The Victim). A series of lead weights (around 75-lbs), pulled the blade upwards (15-feet). Once set, The Executioner could remove a wooden dowel, which would release the counterweight and cause the blade to fall – decapitating The Victim.