Hanau in Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hesse, Germany — Central Europe
Pranger
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Pillory
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 26, 2024
1. Pranger / Pillory Marker
Der Pranger in der Hanauer Altstadt bestand zum einen aus dem am Rathaus angebrachten Halseisen und zum anderen aus dem auf dem Altstädter Markt befindlichen Schandpfahl. Der Pranger war Strafwerkzeug und Rechtsmerkmal des Mittelalters und der frühen Neuzeit.
Das Halseisen hing von 1730 bis 1834 auf der rechten Seite des damaligen Rathauses an einer Kette. Die Stelle des Schandpfahles ist durch einen roten Stein auf dem Marktplatz gekennzeichnet. Mit dem Pranger wurden schwerer Diebstahl, Feld- und Forstfrevel, Fisch- und Wilddiebstahl, Ehebruch und Gotteslästerung bestraft. Eine derartige Bestrafung auf dem Altstädter Markt erfolgte zuletzt am 20. August 1806.
Der Täter musste zunächst eine zeitlang am Schandpfahl stehen, wurde dann ausgepeitscht und schließlich des Landes verwiesen.
(Die Nachbildung dieses Halseisens stiftete die Hanauer Märteswein-Vereinigung aus Anlass des Altstadtjubiläums im Jahr 2003)
Pillory
The pillory in Hanau's old town consisted of the iron collar attached to the town hall
this page online
The pillory hung on a chain on the right side of the town hall from 1730 to 1834. The location of the pillory is marked by a red stone on the market square. The pillory was used to punish serious theft, field and forest crimes, fish and game theft, adultery and blasphemy. The last such punishment on the Old Town Market took place on August 20, 1806.
The offender had to stand on the pillory for a while, was then whipped and finally expelled from the country.
(The replica of this pillory was donated by the Hanau Märteswein Association on the occasion of the Old Town anniversary in 2003)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is August 20, 1806.
Location. 50° 8.193′ N, 8° 55.067′ E. Marker is in Hanau, Hessen (Hesse), in Main-Kinzig-Kreis. It is at the intersection of Am Goldschmiedehaus and Altstädter Markt, on the right when traveling west on Am Goldschmiedehaus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Altstädter Markt 6, Hanau HE 63450, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Altstädter Rathaus / Old Town City Hall (here, next to this marker); Hanauer Elle und Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen / The Hanau “Foot” and Fountain of Justice
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 3, 2025
2. Pranger / Pillory Marker - wide view
The marker is the topmost visible here of the grouping located on the the southwest corner of the the Altes Goldschmiedehaus.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 3, 2025
3. The iron collar (replica)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 26, 2024
4. Pranger / Pillory Marker - wider view
The location of the pillory is (barely) visible here, a stone set in the pavement - lower left of the picture, almost obscured by the head of the skinny leftmost bollard.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 27, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
