The "Brank" or "scold's bridle" was very probably used in former days for lunatics-an instrument of torture which has received much elucidation from my friend Dr. Brushfield, the late medical superintendent of Brookwood Asylum.
"Chapters in the History of the Insane in the British Isles"
Daniel Hack Tuke
He tells us all about the ducking-stool, the Brank, the pillory, the stocks, the drunkard's cloak, the whipping-post, riding the stang, and other forms of punishment.
"'Phiz' (Hablot Knight Browne), a Memoir."
Fred. G. Kitton
