Anne Delvin is perhaps the most famous victim of the half-hanging torture. When she was imprisoned by British authorities for being involved with the United Irishmen rebellion, she received this terrifying torture method.
Anne never gave up any information to her British captors, this resulted in her younger brother dying during his time in prison from sickness.
Why Was Anne Devlin Half-Hanged?
Anne Devlin was part of a conspiracy for rebellion in Dubin, Ireland as part of the Irish Rebellion of 1803. The plan turned into a single night of bloody chaos. Her entire family was jailed in order for the British to attempt to learn of all those involved in the conspiracy.
Anne helped house and conceal Irish rebel leader Rober Emmet. She played the part of housekeeper to protect his identity and location. After the rebellion failed, she and her family were arrested after an informant tipped off the authorities.
The Half-Hanging Torture
Imagine being suffocated by hanging and going unconscious. Only this is not where the half-hanging torture ends, not by a long shot.
The victim of the half-hanging torture is choked until unconsciousness then woken up and the process is repeated.
Besides Ann Delvin, there is another famous victim of the half-hanging torture with a fitting nickname. John “Half-hanged Smith” Smith was a London rulebreaker who was sentenced to hanging on December 5, 1705.
Going unconscious from choking occurs, because of brain ischemia, or a dramatic decrease in blood pressure to the brain. As a self-defense mechanism the brain shuts down the body. Repeatedly passing out from choking is extremely terrible for the body.
Love to read history? I highly recommend buying the new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. Check the price on Amazon.
