In 1557, Hans Bret, an Anabaptist, was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Before he was taken to his execution the executioner ordered him to put out his tongue. Over it he placed an iron clamp, then screwed it tight with a vice-screw over the tongue. He then burned the end of his tongue with a hot iron so that the tongue would swell and could not be withdrawn from the clamp. This tongue screw was to prevent Hans from speaking to the people when he was taken to the stake.

In 1557, Hans Bret, an Anabaptist, was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Before he was taken to his execution the executioner ordered him to put out his tongue. Over it he placed an iron clamp, then screwed it tight with a vice-screw over the tongue. He then burned the end of his tongue with a hot iron so that the tongue would swell and could not be withdrawn from the clamp. This tongue screw was to prevent Hans from speaking to the people when he was taken to the stake. Stock Photo
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Contributor:

Science History Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

T965AF

File size:

40.2 MB (4.6 MB Compressed download)

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Dimensions:

4200 x 3343 px | 35.6 x 28.3 cm | 14 x 11.1 inches | 300dpi

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This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.

Tongue Screw, 1577