Secrets of the past being brought to life

THE secrets of Dundee’s grisly past are to be brought to life in a creepy tour of the city’s history.

The McManus Collections Unit is hosting a night of tours in the run-up to Halloween, showcasing a variety of gruesome items with connections to Dundee.

Some of the objects include the death masks of Burke and Hare and mortsafes — devices used by families to prevent grave robbers from stealing bodies.

The iron contraptions would be hired to be used for around six weeks after someone had been buried, then removed when the body had decayed and would no longer be of use to surgeons and medical students.

Other famous faces from the past expected to make an appearance include horror author Mary Shelley, who spent some time in Dundee, and her creation Victor Frankenstein.

One of the items on show is a witch’s bridle, also known as a branks, which was used in the 16th Century as a punishment for witchcraft, or gossiping.

The metal mask trapped the wearer’s tongue, causing severe pain if they tried to talk. This was part of a public humiliation punishment.

Actors from Dundee University’s Joot theatre company will perform scenes during the half-hour tours on Thursday evening.

Amanda Kopel with a photo of Frank and, inset, with her trophy at the last awards.