In order to draw out the confessions of crimes, the courtiers would torture the prisoners. Both Women and Men could be tortured for their crimes.
The various ways of torture included:
- The rack - A wooden rectangle frame with chains at either ends. The victim's wrists and ankles were attached to the chains at either end of the rack. Slowly the chains would drift apart causing excruciating pain and pulling the body at either ends. It would continue to pull until bones of the victim were dislocated. It could rip cartilage, ligaments and even bones apart. Other forms of torture were also applied to the victim whilst on the rack.
- Scavenger's daughter- A device opposite to the rack, instead of being stretched the victim was compressed.
- The collar- The iron collar consisted of two semi circle iron pieces in which locked together front and back to form a collar. The upper and lower edges of the collar had 6 pyramid shaped spikes to make the wearer uncomfortable. The collar was originally full of lead.
- The Iron Maiden- An iron cabinet with spikes covering the whole interior, tall enough to fit a human being.
- Branding Irons
- An arrangement of instruments made to cause intense pain