Ball and chain - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

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 | change source]

↑ "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.

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[1] "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.

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