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What Was Tarring And Feathering?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tarring and feathering was a form of torture and humiliation<\/a> used to punish people for a variety of offenses. The medieval process involves covering a person in hot tar and feathers, which can cause extreme pain and suffering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, the offender was stripped from the waist up, tar was applied to their body, and then they were covered in feathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the goal was to intimidate and humiliate, victims often endured great physical pain. Depending on the crowd’s mood, tarring and feathering could also be a precursor to further violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Such violence may have included public whipping, branding, or even lynching. The practice was never an official punishment, but public figures like Richard I of England <\/strong>used the sentence on those convicted of theft<\/a> on the voyage to the Holy Land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarring and feathering were used in both America and Europe, although more common in the colonies where, to the early 1980s, tarring and feathering was a form of unofficial justice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contrary to popular opinion, tarring and feathering were rarely fatal, but removing them was excruciating. Often, victims would suffer significant burns on their skin, and removing the tar would pull out hair and pieces of skin, exposing them to potential infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first recorded instance of tarring and feathering occurred in 1189 at the hands of Richard I, when he ordered a group of thieves tarred and feathered as punishment for their crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tarring and feathering continued to be used sporadically throughout history to humiliate and degrade offenders. However, the practice reached its peak in the 18th century when it was used frequently by the colonists in America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, the practice required Pine Tar and Feathers (which filled most pillows at the time). At the time, American colonists would use whatever materials they could to punish those they thought deserved it. For example, colonists would use syrup and cattails when they couldn’t find conventional materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the origins of tarring and feathering are relatively straightforward, the reasons behind their use are still somewhat of a mystery. Some historians believe that the act was meant to humiliate offenders in front of their community and intimidate them. In contrast, others believe it was simply a way to inflict pain and suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there were countless examples of colonists tarring and feathering their fellow Americans, some notable cases stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1773, John Malcolm, a well-known British Loyalist, and Comptroller for the Customs Service, had the unfortunate experience of being tarred and feathered twice. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHistorical Roots Of Tarring And Feathering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Notable Examples of Tarring and Feathering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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