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 are 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 the bodies of their deceased loved ones.
The iron contraptions would be hired to be used for around six weeks when someone had been buried, then removed when the body had decayed and would no longer be of use to surgeons and medical students.
McManus social history curator Carly Cooper said the tours were a fun way of showing off items from the city’s extensive archives.
She said: “We do many tours of the building, but this is an alternative tour in limited light with much more unusual items.
“We talk about Dr Knox and Burke and Hare and other parts of Dundee and Scottish history. The public will be introduced to all these characters on the night.”
Other famous faces from the past expected to make an appearance include horror author Mary Shelley, who spent some time in the city, and her creation of Victor Frankenstein.
Carly explained: “Mary Shelley links to Dundee, and in fact most of the tour has a link to Dundee. If the person doesn’t have a direct link, the object will.”
One of the more gruesome items on show is a witches 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, designed to embarrass the criminal as much as possible.
Actors from Dundee University’s Joot theatre company will perform scenes during the half hour tours.
The event is free, but booking is essential through the McManus Galleries on 01382 307200.
Suitable for children aged 8+ with an accompanying adult, the tours last 30 minutes and begin every 20 minutes between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday 27 October.
