KQ3+4 - Enforcing Law and Order

Question 1

Tudor JPs

Answer 1

• They were appointed for one year by the monarch and it was down to their reputation if they were reappointed
• Their duties included:
• Keeping roads and bridges in a good state of repair
• Monitor wages
• Ensure taxes were paid
• Supervise houses of correction
• It was an unpaid role but they were supported by parish constables.

Question 2

How effective were Tudor Jp’s

Answer 2

The system of JP’s generally worked well so they gained more power in the Tudor era. However, by 6000 there were complaints about excessive workload as they had to maintain 300 laws and were unpaid.

Question 3

Parish Constables

Answer 3

-Appointed from farmers
- Unpopular
- Unpaid
- This position was in addition to their day jobs
- Their duties included:
* Keeping an eye on apprentices
* Ensure taxes were paid on time
* Dealt with illegitimate children
- Could raise the ‘huy and cry’ to summon all able-bodied men to join the search and track down the criminal

Question 4

How effective were Parish Constables

Answer 4

They had extensive duties on top of their day jobs so for many this was an extra burden, making it unpopular.
Few constables could devote sufficient time/attention to perform the job properly. But they did have a useful role in maintaining law and order.

Question 5

Town watchmen

Answer 5

• Often accused of being too old or too lazy
• Unpaid position until 1663-paid low wage- Charlies
• Acted as a deterrent, arrested wrong doers

Question 6

Welsh Example in 16th and 17th century law and order

Answer 6

Edward Stradling - Land owner who lived at St David’s castle
1554- He became MP and served as sheriff
1575- He was asked to find two thieves who had escaped and he succeded.