Ball and chain
physical restraint device
A ball and chain is a device historically worn by prisoners. It consists of a heavy iron ball attached to the prisoner's ankle with a chain and shackle. It stops the prisoner from running away.
![](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/Sagalund_-_Fotbojor.jpg/220px-Sagalund_-_Fotbojor.jpg)
The ball and chain was mainly used in the British Empire and its penal colonies. It was used from the 17th century until as late as the mid 20th century.[1]
References
change- ↑ "Found: The ball and chain that may have condemned a 17th century prisoner to a watery grave in the Thames". Daily Mail, London. 27 August 2009. Retrieved 1 March 2013.