Tarring and feathering, a brutal practice dating back to the 12th century, found notoriety in the late 18th century but persisted until 1981. King Richard I of England first proposed this form of punishment for thieves in 1189, setting the stage for centuries of public humiliation.
Nuns, priests, and even debt collectors faced this ordeal in the 1600s and 1700s. In colonial America, tarring and feathering became a favored means of protest, notably against British officials after the Stamp Act. Captain William Smith’s case exemplifies its use beyond criminal punishment, as a Virginia mob sought revenge for alleged betrayal of smugglers.
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Contrary to popular belief, tarring and feathering, primarily involving pine tar and feathers, was not inherently fatal. The survival rate was surprisingly high, emphasizing its effectiveness as a tool of public humiliation.
Notable instances, such as John Malcolm’s double ordeal and the tar-and-feathering of religious leader Joseph Smith, underscore the historical brutality. Even in the 20th century, racial tensions manifested in an attack on a school principal. While tarring and feathering has faded into history, the last recorded case in 1981 involving Elizabeth Jamieson on her wedding day serves as a chilling reminder of its persistence through time.
Top image: The Bostonians Paying the Excise-Man, 1774 British print by Philip Dawe that depicts the tarring and feathering of Boston Commissioner of Customs John Malcolm. Source: Public Domain
