The Maiden
When was it used?
Long before the French
Revolution, the Scots had invented and were using a beheading
machine known as the Maiden. From 1564 up to 1710 when it was
withdrawn from use, over 150 people had been executed with this
'humane' device.
Prior to 1564, the sword was used for beheading in Scotland
however beheading machines were being used in Europe. An
illustration by Lucas Cranach dated 1539 details one.
Where was it used?
The Scottish machine was made of oak and was portable enough
that it could be flat-packed and moved to whichever location it was
to be used.
Executions using the Maiden are known to have taken place in
Castlehill, Grassmarket and High Cross off the High Street in
Edinburgh.
Who was executed?
The condemned from all parts of Scotland were brought to
Edinburgh to be executed. The records of the Justiciary Court
of the time document various misdemeanours for which a person might
suffer execution by the Maiden. These include murder, incest,
stealing, treason, adultery, forgery and robbery.
Ironically the person believed to have introduced the idea for a
beheading machine to Scotland was himself executed on 2 June at
1581 by the Maiden.
James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton ruled Scotland from 1572
to 1578 during the minority of James VI. He working hard to
maintain friendship with England and dealing ruthlessly with Mary'
Queen of Scots supporters.
He was implicated in the murder of Mary Queen of
Scots' second husband, Lord Darnley. An extract from the
records of the Scottish Justiciary at the time document records his
execution.