The Castle Objects of the Month are the Scold’s bridles (also called branks) found in the Council Chamber, at the end of your Castle visit.
Scold’s bridles were popular methods of punishment from the 16th century through to the 19th century. They were designed primarily for outspoken women who were seen as witches, shrews and scolds. They prevented them from speaking. Some bridles had a tongue-plate that could be as gentle as a flat piece of iron that passively discouraged tongue movement, or as painful as a spiked iron bit.
When the branks were placed on the person’s head, they could be led through town to show that they had been committed an offence or scolded too often. This was intended to humiliate them into “repenting” their “riotous” actions.
Find out more interesting information in the Castle archive section.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
