The Scolding Brank.

The Scolding Brank was used in most part by the church. But it could also be used by anyone who deemed that a person has spoken out of turn.

After 1649 and the Kirk party had gained more power they deemed anyone who spoke out, against them or God would have to wear one.

They also deemed that if a women spoke down to, or before given permission to by a man, should have to wear one. It could also be used if you told one too many lies about someone.

The Brank is made of iron and fits over a person's head, it has a tongue depressor. Which stops the person from speaking. The whole Brank, or just the tongue part could be heated up. This in turn would scolded the person.

The person could be made to wear one while being chained to the church walls just outside the gate, or the main door into the church. In some cases if you look closely at a church you will see the marks of the chain. In others you can still find the chain on the outside of the church.

You would be chained to the wall for the full services of the day. You would be given no food or water while you were chained to the wall. You were a nobody in the eyes of those that passed you bye. You broke the will of God so shall you be punished by him. Anyone could do almost anything the liked to you while you were chained there. In most case it was human, or animal waste that was thrown at you. Mostly by kids but adults would also join in.

At the end of the service for the day. The charge would be read out, so those leaving the church could have their say about what you had done. 

Only after every one had left would you be let free, and the Brank and chain would be removed. This was so you confessed to your sin. Then you would set free to go back home, or back onto the streets to live.