THERE is still time to see four grisly objects at Shire Hall, Dorchester, which are on loan from Salisbury Museum.

A short lunchtime talk will be given on the harsh history of the scold's bridle on Thursday, June 27 from 1pm to 1.15pm.

Wicked Wessex, the latest Objects On Tour by the Wessex Museums Partnership, in lieu of Dorset County Museum, continues until July 6.

Each of the Wessex Museums Partners have chosen an object that explores the term Wicked Wessex.

Visitors will be able to see a scold’s bridle, or witch’s bridle, which was used to punish people who were suspected of witchcraft. It was placed over the victim’s head, so they couldn’t speak, or more importantly, curse anyone!

This was one of the horrible punishments used during the 17th century witch trials that took place not just in Wessex, but across the whole of Europe. Some witches faced the stocks or ducking stool, others were hanged.

You can see Wicked Wessex at Shire Hall until July 6 from 10am to 4pm daily. Book the June 27 talk with Eventbrite eventbrite.co.uk/e/wicked-wessex-pop-up-talk-scolds-bridle-tickets-60267903923