Prison Torture, Hanging by Thumbs, 1871

Hanging by thumbs, the trapeze, means, quite simply, being suspended from just your thumbs. It was used to deal with difficult prisoners, including those who tried to escape. After being suspended like that for a long time, thumbs became deformed and hands disabled. They would then be unable to fulfill their labor duties, making them subject to more punishment. Unknown source, 1871

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

Cruel Cruelty Infamous Inhumane Inhumanity Method Notorious Persecute Persecuted Persecuting Persecution Punish Punishing Suffering Suspended Thumbs Torturer Torturing Trapeze

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