medieval england

Question 1

What years was the early medieval period?

Answer 1

1066 - 1154

Question 2

How did william the conqueror contol the anglo-saxons?

Answer 2

harsh punishments for rebels
built castles to look more intimidating
created the feudal system

Question 3

How has law changed?

Answer 3

murdrum fine
the forest laws

Question 4

what was the murdrum fine?

Answer 4

Fines for punishments now need to be paid to the king, not the victims family (like in wergild).
The whole community has to pay, making it a big detterent.

Question 5

What was the forest laws?

Answer 5

Large areas in the countryside now belonged to the king (royal forests). Peasants cannot poach here anymore otherwise they will get a corporal punishment.
Many saw this as unfair as that was how people got their necessities.

‘outlaw’ was another crime - this was moving away from your village, if you got caught you would be killed.

Question 6

early medieval law enforcement: continuities

Answer 6

king still had to keep peace
trials by ordeal stayed
hue and cry
tithings

Question 7

early medieval law enforcement: change

Answer 7

trial by combat introduced

Question 8

early medieval punishments: continuities

Answer 8

fines are still a punishment
any attempt to challenge the king will be punished

Question 9

punishments : change

Answer 9

wergild changed to murdrum (now pay fines to the king)
brutal punishments used to show authority
group punishments (starving, killing farm animals etc)
increase in death penalty

Question 10

What is trial by combat?

Answer 10

settle arguments by fighting with swords or large sticks
occasionally fight till death