Medieval punishment has been distorted through the ages from tall tales and television. In this article we will briefly discuss how the dungeon was used. It may surprise you to learn how it began and how it was still in use in 18th century America!
In the realm of medieval punishment, the dungeon has been a disturbing ideology to many individuals, as they picture a dark, humid underground prison full of toothless criminals, foul smells, half-nude old women, chains and rats. The word dungeon is derived from the Old French word donjon, which originally came from the word dominus in Latin, although dominus actually means lord. Donjon, in French, really means the castle keep of a castle (which is a tower used for several things). Perhaps, the French term cachot would have actually been more appropriate, as it means a type of prison.
So we know, as for its original meaning, the dungeon was the castle Keep, which is the main tower. This Keep was the last position of defense for the garrison and a place they could retreat to if the outer fortifications were being breached. The castle Keep was well armed and very sturdy. It was meant at first to be a safe and comfortable place for the Lord of the castle to reside. It turned out to be a safe place to keep prisoners as well, since it was a solid structure. At some point more luxurious housing was intentionally built for the Lord, and the dungeon was used exclusively for captured prisoners. Over time, the term evolved to mean an underground prison. The prisoners must have obviously been kept in the underground areas of the Keep.
So what do you think a real dungeon looked like? Usually they were a very plain, dirty, one room underground prison cell, without windows with one heavy door as access, but sometimes only a hatch in the ceiling for access. They became associated with torture, which surely did occur. As well people tend to fear being trapped underground. The dungeon had to be very dark and smelly. So the word dungeon conjured up a feeling of fear and being trapped in a place of underground torture. Consequently, everyone feared the dungeon.
A famous American dungeon is the Provost Dungeon in Charleston, South Carolina, used during the Revolutionary War. It is the cellar of the building, with heavy barrel vaulted ceilings, under the Old Exchange Building. Visiting it would give you a good idea of what an American dungeon looked like! It was described as a damp and unwholesome place that caused many illnesses and deaths among the prisoners. Imagine no electricity or running water! Prisoners of all types (many innocent), men and women, were indiscriminately thrown together in one room to suffer the consequences. Perhaps medieval punishment would be found too harsh for today’s criminal system.
