“Pitchcapping refers to a form of torture devised by British forces in 18th century Ireland which was widely used against suspected rebels during the period of the 1798 Rebellion, most famously on Anthony Perry, one of the leaders of the Wexford rebels.

The process involved pouring hot pitch, or tar (mainly used at the time for lighting purposes), into a conical shaped paper “cap”, which was forced onto a bound suspect’s head and then allowed to cool. Less elaborate versions included smearing a cloth or paper with pitch and pressing onto the head of the intended victim. The “pitchcap” was then torn off taking lumps of skin and flesh with it which usually left the victim disfigured for life.”