Poisontasters

Poisontasters were individuals, often women, employed in royal courts and aristocratic households, particularly during the Renaissance and early modern periods, to test food and drink for poison before it was consumed by their employer. The practice arose from a climate of fear and suspicion, where assassination by poisoning was a real and present danger for rulers and the wealthy.

The role of a poisontaster was fraught with immense personal risk. They would ingest a small portion of a dish or beverage before it was served to the intended recipient. If the food was poisoned, the poisontaster would suffer the consequences, which could range from severe illness to death. This practice served as a living guarantee of safety, as the employer could be assured that if the poisontaster consumed the food without ill effect, it was safe for them.

While the exact origins and prevalence of poisontasters are not precisely documented, historical accounts suggest their existence in various European courts. They were not necessarily trained scientists or physicians but were often chosen for their perceived sturdiness or as a means of testing the loyalty of a servant. The practice gradually declined with advancements in toxicology and a general decrease in the perceived threat of widespread poisoning in political circles. The concept of the poisontaster has since become a subject of historical curiosity and appears in fictional works.