22. The medieval Iron Maiden is a myth
Iron Maidens are presented in museums, wax museums, horror films, and other venues featuring presentations of medieval torture in Europe and in the United States. The Iron Maiden of Nuremberg may have been displayed as early as 1802, along with a “history” written by German philosopher and teacher Johann Philip Siebenkees. The fictional story provided for the device indicated that it had been used as early as 1515. Iron Maidens became popular at traveling museums and other attractions in Europe during the remainder of the 19th century, and traveled to the Americas through the efforts of showmen and hucksters there.
There is no mention of their existence in medieval or renaissance literature, including among the prosecutors of the Inquisition, who certainly would have used one had it been available. They first appeared in 19th century literature. Iron Maidens are just one of many myths perpetuated regarding the Middle Ages which have been handed down through the centuries. They certainly could be used as a means of inflicting torture but there is no evidence that their use for that purpose is part of the historical record of medieval history.