Whipping of Women

Throughout history, corporal punishment was usually inflicted on males. Some females, however, were also lashed. Below are examples from ancient times to the 19th century.

Boudicca, the British queen, being whipped by the Romans--an event which touched off a major revolt.

A Roman mistress (right background) has ordered a female slave to be flogged. A black torturer-slave has tied her up and is pushing her down for a lashing on her bare buttocks. The whip was not designed to lacerate the flesh but was loaded with pieces of metal (probably lead) to increase the impact--and pain--of the blows.

A young woman about to be publicly chastized on her bare bottom. Public whipping was common in 18th century England, but was later outlawed.

Flogging of a black woman in the antebellum South.

Whipping of a white woman in the South during the reconstruction period.

Polish women being flogged for sedition around 1872. The lady at center left is being stripped to the waist as she is next to be punished.

Public whipping of a female c 1900