The Barrel

By Crusader1307

A form of "Torture-Punishment" used in 17th thru early 19th Century Europe (and Colonial America). The Barrel was used to punish public drunkenness. A specially wooden barrel was made (oversized and quite heavy). Symbolic of an Ale or Wine Barrel, the bottom was removed as was the top. Over the head was placed a Brace to hold the heavy barrel in place on the shoulders.  The hands were placed through openings made in the front and secured with rope. The heavy barrel was worn for a week on most cases. The resulting cuts and abrasions to the shoulders and neck was horrible  (inclusive of infections). In all cases, one could not eat nor use the bathroom.  It is unknown if any one died wearing a Barrel. Often used as a symbol of drunkenness in many 19th Century Newspaper illustrations, it's connotations were immediately implied that one was a Drunkard.