In the past, during the medieval and early modern times, there was a strange and embarrassing punishment called the “drunkard’s cloak.” This was used to shame people who were caught being drunk in public. It was similar to the stocks, where people were locked up for everyone to see. The drunkard’s cloak was a big wooden barrel with three holes: one on top for the person’s head and two on the sides for their arms. The barrel covered the person from the neck down to just above their ankles and was often heavy at the bottom to make it even more uncomfortable.
Once someone was put inside the barrel, they were paraded around the streets while everyone watched. This punishment had different names, like the “shunned mantle” or the “coat of shame.” It first appeared in Germany in the 13th century and quickly spread across Europe. In Holland, it was called the “Spanish mantle” or the “barrel pillory,” and in England, it was known as the “Newcastle cloak” or the “drunkard’s cloak.”
The drunkard’s cloak became popular in England after the Alehouse Act of 1550. This law made it illegal to be drunk in public. At that time, alehouses were very popular in England, especially during the Golden Age of alehouses. Brewing beer was a common job, especially for women, and alehouses were places where people gathered to socialize. However, they were also seen as places where people could cause trouble or plan rebellions, which is why the Alehouse Act was introduced during the 1650s under Oliver Cromwell.
There are historical records, like the story of John Willis of Apes, that describe how men were made to walk through the streets in a barrel with holes for their heads and arms, showing their shame to everyone.
The drunkard’s cloak eventually made its way to America, where it was used until the American Civil War. It was used to punish soldiers for different offenses. One famous case involved a Union Army soldier in Massachusetts, who had to walk through the streets of his brigade while declaring, “I am a thief,” with a drum playing in the background.
Even after the Civil War, there were a few instances where the drunkard’s cloak was used as a punishment in American prisons during the 19th and 20th centuries. This strange and humiliating punishment is a reminder of how societies in the past dealt with public misbehavior and the importance they placed on public shame as a deterrent.
Research and create a timeline that traces the use of the drunkard’s cloak from its origins in Germany to its use in America. Include key dates, locations, and any changes in how it was used. Present your timeline to the class and discuss how the punishment evolved over time.
In groups, reenact a scene from the past where someone is punished with the drunkard’s cloak. Assign roles such as the person being punished, the townspeople, and the authorities. Reflect on how each character might feel and discuss the impact of public humiliation as a form of punishment.
Divide into two teams and debate the effectiveness and ethics of public punishment like the drunkard’s cloak compared to modern justice systems. Consider the pros and cons of each approach and how societal values have changed over time.
Imagine you are a journalist in the 17th century. Write a newspaper article about a recent incident involving the drunkard’s cloak. Include quotes from witnesses, a description of the event, and public reactions. Share your article with the class.
Choose a different historical punishment and research its origins, use, and impact on society. Create a presentation comparing it to the drunkard’s cloak, highlighting similarities and differences. Present your findings to the class.
**Drunkard’s Cloak: A Historical Punishment**
During the medieval and early modern periods, the drunkard’s cloak was a method of punishment similar to the stocks, primarily used for public humiliation of individuals arrested for public intoxication. This punishment device consisted of a large wooden barrel with three openings: one on top for the neck and head, and two on the sides for the arms. The barrel was designed to cover the victim’s entire body from the neck down to just above the ankles, often weighted at the bottom to induce discomfort and humiliation.
Once confined in the barrel, the individual would be paraded through the streets while neighbors and friends looked on. Known by various names, including the shunned mantle or the coat of shame, the drunkard’s cloak was first used in Germany in the 13th century and quickly spread throughout Europe. In Holland, it was referred to as the Spanish mantle or the barrel pillory, and in England, it became known as the Newcastle cloak or the drunkard’s cloak.
The punishment gained popularity in England after the Alehouse Act of 1550, which made public drunkenness a punishable offense. This act emerged during the Golden Age of alehouses in England, a time when brewing beer became a common livelihood, particularly among women. Alehouses served as centers for community gatherings and were often associated with public displays of drunkenness and misbehavior. They were also believed to be venues for political subversion and planning uprisings, which may have contributed to the enactment of the Alehouse Act during the 1650s under Oliver Cromwell.
Historical records, such as the account of John Willis of Apes, describe the punishment: men were made to walk through the streets in a barrel with openings for their heads and arms, showcasing their shame to all onlookers.
The drunkard’s cloak eventually made its way to the American colonies, where it continued to be used until the American Civil War. During this time, it was employed to punish soldiers for various offenses. One notable instance involved a Union Army soldier in Massachusetts, who was forced to declare, “I am a thief,” while being marched through the streets of his brigade to the sound of a drum.
Since then, there have been a few recorded instances of the drunkard’s cloak being used as a form of punishment in American prisons throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Drunkard’s Cloak – A form of punishment used in the past where a person who was found drunk in public was forced to wear a barrel with holes for the head and arms, as a form of public humiliation. – In 17th century England, the drunkard’s cloak was a common sight as a means to shame those who overindulged in alcohol.
Punishment – A penalty given to someone for a crime or a wrong they have committed. – During the Middle Ages, punishment for theft could be severe, often involving physical pain or public shaming.
Public Humiliation – A form of punishment where an individual is shamed in front of others, often used historically to deter undesirable behavior. – Stocks and pillories were used in colonial America as a means of public humiliation for minor offenses.
Alehouse – An establishment where ale and other alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed, popular in medieval and early modern Europe. – Alehouses in 16th century England were not only places to drink but also centers for social gatherings and discussions.
England – A country in Europe with a rich history, known for its monarchy, cultural heritage, and significant historical events. – The Industrial Revolution, which began in England, drastically changed the social and economic landscape of the world.
Germany – A country in Central Europe known for its influential history, including the Holy Roman Empire and its role in both World Wars. – The unification of Germany in 1871 marked a significant turning point in European history, altering the balance of power on the continent.
Rebellion – An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. – The American Revolution began as a rebellion against British rule, eventually leading to the independence of the United States.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding history helps us learn from past mistakes and shape a better future.
Social – Relating to society or its organization. – Social changes during the 1960s, such as the Civil Rights Movement, had a profound impact on American society.
Legacy – Something handed down by a predecessor, often referring to cultural or historical achievements. – The legacy of ancient Rome can be seen in modern legal systems, languages, and architectural styles.
