Medieval England Case Study

Question 1

Backstory

Answer 1

Roger Ryet passes John the Shepherd’s house on the way to find work, he sees a nice piece of cloth hung on the bench.
He doesn’t find work so he returns home but steals the cloth on his way back.
John the Shepherd screams ‘thief’ and blocks Roger’s path.
Roger stabs and kills John, leaving his wife, Isobel, screaming at the side.

Question 1

The Parish Constable

Answer 1

Roger hides in forest whilst villagers try hunt him.
Walter was a blacksmith by trade but volunteered to be constable (unpaid law enforcement officer) that year.

Question 2

The coroner and the sheriff

Answer 2

Hue and cry failed to track Roger so Walter had to inform the coroner about John’s death.
All unnatural deaths had to be reported to the coroner since 1190.
The coroner then informed the sheriff who would organise a possse to track and capture Roger.

Question 3

Sanctuary

Answer 3

Once a criminal reached sanctuary, even the sheriff couldn’t take him by force from the church.
Roger would have the choice to stand trial for his crime or leave the country in 40 days.

Question 4

The next morning..

Answer 4

Roger was caught in his sleep by the sheriff and his posse before he could reach the Norwich Cathedral.

Question 5

The Royal Court

Answer 5

Dealt with the most serious crimes.
Involved judges, scribes and the local jury.
Isobel gave her eyewitness statement, some of the jury even recalled hearing her scream.
Jury swore an oath that Roger was guilty.

Question 6

Benefit of the Clergy

Answer 6

Roger couldn’t read so he couldn’t claim benefit of the clergy.
This would involve him reading a verse from the Bible and being tried by Church courts, who never executed people.

Question 7

Army

Answer 7

If there was a war, Roger could have avoided execution by fighting in the army as his punishment.