Heretic's Fork

The Spanish Inquisition was just one of many that occurred from the 12th to the 19th centuries. The word inquisition refers to the tribunal court system used by both the Catholic Church and some of the Catholic monarchs, which was to root out, suppress and punish heretics. The definition of the word heretic means someone who holds different beliefs and views that are in opposition to what are the popular beliefs and opinions of the church.
The inquisitorial system was based from the ancient Roman law, it was different from other court systems as the court actually took part in the process of trying the accused.

Image 1

To torture the heretics an instrument was created called Heretics Fork. It consisted of two forks set against each other that penetrated the skin under the chin at one end and then at the other end was at top of the chest in between the collar bones, however this instrument didn't penetrate any vital points, therefore the suffering was prolonged and death was avoided. There was also a small collar that supported the fork in a way that made the victims head erect and preventing any moment.

Obviously the victims hands were tied up behind their backs to prevent any escape, this instrument was used after a confession to avoid hearing the victim plead anymore. Sometimes the victims were incarcerated as well as having this fork. The fork often harmed the neck of the victim as well as potentially spreading an infection or disease.

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References:
Image 1: http://godchild.buzz/live/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Heretics-Fork1.jpg
Image 2: https://grabcad.com/library/heretics-fork-torture-device-1
Internet: Freeman, Shanna.  "How the Spanish Inquisition Worked"  05 February 2008.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/spanish-inquisition.htm>  http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/spanish-inquisition.htm [Last Accessed: 9th October 2015]
Internet: (29th November 2008) http://www.medievality.com/heretics-fork.html                                           [Last Asscessed:9th October 2015]