Medieval Punishment Quotes

If any one is convicted of theft, let his head by shaved …; let melted pitch be poured upon it, and feathers shaken over it, that he may be known … let him be set on shore at the first land to which the ship approaches.

Off with their heads!

I went out to Charing Cross to see Major General Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could in that condition.

In England, the ultimate execution method for men who committed high treason was hanging, drawing, and quartering. It was considered indecent at the time to mutilate a woman’s body in this way, so female traitors were burnt at the stake.

If I can't face my accusers, that's a joke. We did that in medieval times.

There's something dreadfully decisive about a beheading.

Public crucifixion is no fun.

PILLORY, n. A mechanical device for inflicting personal distinction - prototype of the modern newspaper conducted by persons of austere virtues and blameless lives.

IMPALE, v.t. In popular usage, to pierce with any weapon which remains fixed in the wound . . . . properly, to put to death by thrusting an upright sharp stake into the body, the victim being left in a sitting position.

In the old days men had the rack. Now they have the Press.

Noseless and Handless, the Lannister Boys.

The punishment of shaving a woman's head had biblical origins. In Europe, the practice dated back to the Dark Ages with the Visigoths.

Flogging. The only solution to every problem. I warrant even the culprit himself doesn't know! It was just... his... turn!

The old Inquisition had its rack and its thumbscrews and its instruments of torture with iron teeth.