Pitch-Capping was introduced by the Cork militia. This type of torture was principally intended for persons who wore their hair “cropped” short, and who for that reason were supposed to be in sympathy with the United Irishmen. In most cases there was no trial, suspects were simply seized and brought to the guard-house where a cap of coarse linen which was smeared on the inside with hot pitch was compressed on their heads. It was then allowed to cool in order that it could not be easily pulled off. The pitch-cap was then set alight resulting in further anguish of melting pitch trickling down into their eyes. The blinded victims frequently fell, or inadvertently dashed their heads against walls in their way. The pain of trying to disengage this pitch-cap from the head was next to intolerable. The hair was often torn out by the roots and frequently parts of the scalp would come off along with it. What should surprise most people is that this type of torture was carried out in the open day. If a pitch-cap was not readily available, then moistened gunpowder was rubbed into their hair and then set on fire.