Maiden (beheading)
The maiden (also known as the Scottish maiden) was a primitive type of guillotine used as a means of execution in Scotland. It had lead weights attached to the blade.
It was introduced to Scotland during the minority of King James VI from Halifax in the north of England, by the regent James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. The Earl of Morton was eventually executed by it himself, although contrary to legend he was not the first person to be executed by it.
External links
Categories: United Kingdom history stubs | Death penalty