They Called It Justice. The Real Purpose Was to Silence Women.

It was known as the Branks, sometimes called the “Scold’s Bridle.”

And for the women forced to wear it, the experience was designed to do more than punish.

It was meant to break them.

The Iron Cage of Silence

At first glance, the Branks looks like something from a nightmare.

Made of heavy iron, it was locked around a person’s head like a cage.