Castles were not just beautiful structures that served as the homes of kings and queens. They also had dark, secret dungeons where prisoners were held captive and tortured.
These dungeons were often located deep underground and were filled with rats, spiders, and other creepy creatures.
In this article, we will take a closer look at medieval castle dungeons and the dark secrets they hold!
Purpose of Medieval Castle Dungeon
The purpose of a medieval castle dungeon was to detain prisoners. The dungeons were often dark, damp, and dirty, and were not meant to be comfortable places.
Prisoners were usually kept in chains or locked in cages, and they were often subjected to torture.
Dungeon Layout
The layout of a medieval castle dungeon depended on the size of the castle. Some dungeons were large enough to hold several prisoners, while others were small and cramped. The most common feature of a medieval castle dungeon was the torture chamber, where prisoners were tortured using various methods such as whipping, burning, or mutilation.
Some medieval castles also had an execution chamber, where prisoners were put to death. This room was often located next to the torture chamber so that the prisoner could see their impending fate before they died.
Apart from the torture chamber and execution chamber, other features found in a medieval castle dungeon include:
– Cells for holding prisoners
– A well for supplying water
– A drainage system to get rid of waste
– Shelves and hooks for storing tools and supplies
– Torches or lanterns to provide light
The dark secrets of medieval castle dungeons are a chilling reminder of the cruel justice that was often meted out in those times.
Dungeon Torture Devices
The torture devices used in medieval castle dungeons were often barbaric and cruel. Some of the most common devices include:
– Rack: This device was used to stretch a prisoner’s body until they broke their bones.
– Wheel: This device was used to crush a prisoner’s limbs or torso.
– Saw: This device was used to cut off a prisoner’s limbs or head.
– Potroast: This device was used to roast a person alive.
– Pear: This device was inserted into a person’s anus or vagina, and then heated up.
Torture chambers were not places for the faint of heart, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the dark side of medieval life.
The Executioner
It was the executioner’s job to torture and kill the prisoners that were sent to the dungeons. The most common form of execution was either by beheading or hanging.
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Link will appear as Hanson, Marilee. "Medieval Castle Dungeons: The Dark Secrets of Castles" https://englishhistory.net/middle-ages/medieval-castle-dungeons/, January 26, 2022