The Scold’s Bridle was a torture device used during medieval times on women accused of talking too much, which was then feared to be the work of the devil

The Scold’s Bridle was a torture device used during medieval times on women accused of talking too much, which was then feared to be the work of the devil.

"The origins of the bridle are not clear but it is currently thought to have originated in Europe sometime in the Middle Ages and was used as part of the penal system. It is first heard of in Britain as a punishment for witches in Scotland in the 16th Century and one of the worst examples of it is the so-called ‘Forfar Bridle’. This is particularly horrible, having spikes on the top and bottom of the bitt to pierce the tongue and palate. There is an equally gruesome instrument kept at Stockport and known as the ‘Stockport Bridle’ and this also has spikes on the top and bottom of the bitt.

The first recorded use of the bridle for scolds, in England, was in the 17th Century. Use was predominantly in towns in the North of England though there are other examples and styles of bridles preserved further south. Its use was mostly sanctioned by the Manorial or Church courts and, even then, it was an illegal punishment. "

“First recorded in Scotland in 1567, the branks were also used in England and its colonies. The kirk-sessions and barony courts in Scotland inflicted the contraption mostly on female transgressors and women considered to be rude, nags or common scolds.Branking (in Scotland and the North of England) was designed as a mirror punishment for shrews or scolds; women of the lower classes whose speech was deemed "riotous" or "troublesome"; — often women suspected of witchcraft — by preventing such "gossips or scolds" from speaking. This also gives it its other name, 'The Gossip's Bridle'.”

So yeah actually medieval, you’re right.I can’t find shit right now about the husbands being punished like I said, but I’m certain it was a thing.