The Scold’s bridle

The Scold’s bridle was basically a torture mask that some women were made to wear that prevented them from talking. The device was an iron muzzle in an iron framework that enclosed the head. A bridle-bit (or curb-plate), about 2 inches long and 1 inch broad, projected into the mouth and pressed down on top of the tongue. It was used as a punishment on women who were considered troublesome, gossipy or rude in 16th and 17th century Britain.