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June 21 1734, 7:00AM - Examination and torture of Angélique |
 In 18th century Nouvelle France, it was common practice during the interrogation process to torture the accused using brodequins consisting of four planks of the hardest wood tied to the legs from the knees to the ankles. The torturer inserted a wedge between the knees and after each question, hit it with a mallet. As a consequence, the bones of the accused were broken. Angélique underwent this procedure on the morning of June 21, 1734 and was hanged a few hours later : the executioner took her in front of the parish church where she did public amends holding a torch. Afterwards, she was taken to an area known as the "Place vide" (empty lot) in front of the burnt houses where she was hanged and thrown on a pyre, her ashes scattered to the wind. |
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