c1000-1500 crime in medieval england

Question 1

Role of the church

Answer 1

The institution of the church were powerful and had particular responsibility in preventing moral crimes - these were crimes that did not inflict harm on people / properties but did not match up to society’s standards of behaviour

Question 2

Williams forest laws (1079)

Answer 2

30% of England became royal forests protected by the law. Communities, villages and farms evicted and only those who paid for hunting rights could hunt.

Grazing livestock, hunting animals and taking wood was illegal. Seen as unfair by ordinary people. Those who committed the crime weren’t viewed as criminals by members of society due to their desperate situations.

Question 3

Murdrum fine (1070)

Answer 3

Used to establish control over newly Norman conquered population. If a Norman was murdered by an Anglo Saxon and the culprit wasn’t found a sum of money had to be paid to the hundred in which the body was found.
The murder of a Norman was more severe than the murder of an Anglo Saxon.

Question 4

Heresy

Answer 4

Disagreeing with the ideas of the church.
A small number of people in the 13th and 14th century questioned the teachings of the church and wanted it to be reformed- Bible translated to English.
The Clergy felt threatened by these new ideas and were supported by the kings.

Question 5

Statute of labourers (1351)

Answer 5

Law that made it illegal for workers to ask for higher wages. This was a problem for the rich as the Black Death had reduced the population so workers had more bargaining power.
Law made it illegal for workers to move areas in search for higher wages.