Burned At The Stake - History's Most BRUTAL Execution Method?

Throughout History and the centuries, there were a huge number of different execution methods used to punish criminals and condemned prisoners. Many of the methods used during the Medieval and Tudor periods were incredibly brutal and savage, and one of the worst was burning. Many thousands of people found themselves being burned at the stake over the centuries and many of them were considered heretics or religious criminals. Being burned at the stake was a horrific ordeal in which someone would be tied to a wooden post, before they were then set on fire. Sometimes executioners made mistakes which prolonged the suffering, and some even tied gunpowder around the neck of the condemned to make their ordeal quicker.

There were many very famous individuals executed by being burned including Joan of Arc who during the 100 Years War was sentenced to death by the English. Also many people who were brave enough to question the Church were burned, including those who translated the Bible into English. Burning at the stake was a form of execution that was very brutal and horrific, and was one which would haunt the witnesses with the sight they saw.

So join us today as we look at, 'Burned At The Stake - History's Most BRUTAL Execution Method?' Remember to support our channel, please make sure to subscribe.

[brianedwards]

The fact that this happened so recently just shows how thin the veneer of civilisation is.

[cierakitty]

I will never understand how flocks of people could stand and watch other people being burnt alive. I have read in several books how it was like a big event with people selling eats and trinkets as if they were at a fair. Parents brought their children as well to watch.

[Mackeson]

When I was still at junior school our headmaster told us a rather weird story. He was very interested in Tudor history and before he went into teaching he had been called up to do his National Service. One of the jobs he had during that period was handing out kit (Uniforms, boots etc.) to the latest arrivals. They would form a line, go up to the counter, then they would be asked for their names and then they would be handed over their stuff. My future teacher asked one lad his name and he replied Latimer ", so he handed him his kit, then the next guy showed up. So, thinking about Those unfortunate Oxford Martyrs he (Half jokingly) said "Oh, so you must be Ridley then!" Well this lad opened his mouth in astonishment then said "Y-y-yes, my name IS Ridley, Oh my god how on earth did you know that!"😮 (Cue 'The twilight Zone ' theme doo do doo do doo do doo do doo do doo do

[pete]

None of the pictures really show how bad the pain and the suffering were. People were burned alive until dead. Their screams of pain could be heard more than a mile away. I think we all should be relieved not to be living in times like those, where so many people were murdered, yes, murdered, in so many horrific ways. Most people now cry out if they get a scratched finger!

[mcaddicts]

I didn’t expect the Spanish Inquisition.

[Mike-ygig]

I've heard many people say that human beings are the worst creature on the planet and that the earth would be better off without them. After watching some of these videos I find it hard to disagree.

[lesleysmith]

When I worked at St Bartholomew hospital near Smithfield market in London electrical work needed to be done. When it got to a certain level in the ground they found a lot of ashes. It was decided that the level matched the time period of this execution.

[abdaloser]

Theres a monument in Gloucester to Bishop Hooper. When digging his memorial foundation they found a charred stump that can still be seen in a local museum i believe and the house they believe he stayed in before his execution. Quite a chilling account of his death was written and it took 45 minutes for him to die apparently.

[Mister-Mayhem]

Absolutely love what you're doing mate. Keep up the good work! Cheers!💯👏👏

[bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

your comments about pouring gold down the throats of spanish conquistadors reminded me of the fate of Marcus Lucinius Crassus (one of the first triumvirate of Rome - alongside caesar and pompey). Crassus is the guy whom crucified all of those slaves during the uprising of spartacus. Anyway during the battle of carrhae crassus became so despondent at the death of his son that he pretty much gave up caring and his army feared him so much to the point of hatred (he had brought back the practice of decimation) that they gave him up to the enemy so they'd have safe passage. Crassus was mocked, made to dress as a woman, used as a stepping stool to help other's on to their horses and did eventually have molten gold poured down his throat as a way of mocking his absolute love of wealth

[deant]

Humans are or were truly horrible creatures

[spinnywise]

I enjoy the tone of your voice and your way of narration. The videos and topics are engaging, as well! Cheers!

[obombabeenlaid]

They say Mongols were brutal when in fact Church was far more brutal.

[hughjass]

I believe the "bag of gunpowder" thing is more fable than fact since the method as described would not result in an explosion and would in fact, heighten the condemned person's suffering, not reduce or mitigate it.

Gunpowder does not "explode" unless it's in a confined space such as a cartridge casing or a grenade or bomb. A quantity of it in a cloth or paper sack exposed to open flame would simply erupt in vigorous and rapid combustion similar to a quantity of match heads.

All this would do is sear the person's neck and face and intensify their suffering and since the whole process would last only a few seconds, it would be a pointless exercise..

[pokemonfanthings]

It makes me so glad to be alive now, yet also so disappointed in being a human, and terrified

[Nooziterp]

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: 'We've found a witch. May we burn her?'

[prodprod]

Some time ago, I read a detailed account of the burning of Joan of Arc (I've since lost track of it) and it was a horribly brutal affair in which the fire was intentionally tamped down a number of times -- first after her clothing was burned away to allow her to be seen naked by the crowd, then after her feet were burned -- and so on, in order to prolong the agony of her execution.

Of course, this was a time when people used to set cats on fire and watch them run around just for fun.

Yes -- people are just "basically good" -- aren''t them?

[demonicusa.k.a.theblindguy]

My grandfather was born in 19 0 3 on the island of graciosa in the azors. He told me on more than one occasion that capital punishment there was to be sealed in a barrel and having long iron spikes driven into it. The barrel would be rolled down a hill and if the person didn't die from that they would be left to do so at the bottom. I'm curious if this shows up anywhere else in the historical record?? Probably or most likely on the Iberian peninsula I would imagine.

[christophercramp]

Do we even know if the brazen bull was actually used? I can't seem to find any accounts of its use outside of the legend of its creation.

[JamesAllmond]

Showing no mercy, wonderful how Christians treated each other...
(note I am a Christian who is well aware of what happens when you mix hate, politics and religion - evil. no matter the religion)