Gibbet

By Crusader1307

The practice of Gibbeting is almost as old as Man. Mentioned as far back as The Old Testament, almost every Country had it in some form. Although a "Gibbet" is defined as ANY device used for public execution, the ACT of  "Gibbeting" is sometimes debated as being different. Four our purposes - during the Middle Ages, gibbeting meant the display of a dead or dying criminal. Often placed on Gallows Poles or scaffolds, the body was meant to serve as a warning to future offenders. The development of a cage constructed out of steel or metal bands - riveted in place and often, in the shape of a human body (some were constructed with metal arms and legs).  Criminal bodies were often left inside the gibbets to decompose (as well as becoming food to vermin and birds). A practice even developed involving coating the body with tar to help preserve them longer.  Placed on main transportation thorough-fares and crossroads, the sight (and smell) was horrific. Gibbets became popular as Port or Harbor warnings to Pirates, as well. One example of a creative Gibbet was the one constructed in Montfaucon, France. A massive 3 walled structure capable of "serving" up to 45 criminals. One could be hung and gibbeting all in the same motion. Erected outside the city walls, it stood from the 1300s until the mid-18th Century. Most of our conceptions of gibbets are based on dungeons and haunted houses (which are for the most part, fantasy).