European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 05, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Germany no j 1 j l to the dark Side or lire Rothenburg museum traces torture through time Nyji Derheim staff photographer there s More to Rothenburg of Der Tauber than Pristine postcard perfect buildings surrounded by Tower capped Walls. Nestled among the pastel coloured restaurants hotels and City landmarks that showcase the Beauty of bygone centuries is an exhibition that shows. 1,000 years of the dark Side of  visit to the criminal museum crime museum will make you glad you were. Born in the 20th Century in Days gone by gossipy people might have their Heads enclosed in an Iron Goblin s mask Complete with wagging ears lolling Tongue and bulging eyes. Masks like this torture wheels spiked chairs huge swords some with the names of the executioner inscribed on the Sharp Blad bludgeoning tools and branding Irons were tools of the Trade for the sadistic Jailhouse keeper. In former times a convict might find himself on the stretching Board stones lashed to his Ankles and a spiked Collar around his neck. And for the wife suspected of cheating the chastity Belt was invented. When a jealous husband journeyed out of the area he could lock up his wife. People thought to be witches had to sit on a spiked chair until confessing their evil thoughts. Burnings at the stake for these and other imagined offences took place in Germany until 1749. The museum is Worth a visit just enough time to make you thankful for being Borryn a Kinder gentler Days. Travellers tips Rothenburg lies just off autobahn 7 South of Wurzburg. Parking is plentiful and free if you Park in one of the Many numbered lots outside the old City Walls. Lots nos. 1 and 2 Are the most convenient for walking into the City. The criminal museum is located on Burg Gasse 3, close to St. John s Church. A visit to the City tourism office in the councillor s tavern in the town Square opposite the Rathaus is recommended. There Aire numerous brochures and maps for the taking. Jim Derheim two masks of shame and a Horn for bad musicians. A bad trumpeter would stand in the Square with this instrument of humiliation. A chair of pain for those accused of witchcraft. The accused would be kept in the chair until confessing then burned at the stake left. A humiliating mask for those charged with spreading rumours. The Long Nosef oversized glasses that see everything and the Long drooping Tongue signify a gossip above. Is photos by Jim Derheim stripes Magazine August 5, 1993