Topic 2: Keeping Law and Order

Question 1

Give three examples of continuity in law and order between Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

Answer 1

1. England was divided into shires and there were shire courts
2. Hundred courts continued
3. Land holding was divided up amongst families

Question 2

Give three examples of change in law and order between Anglo-Saxon and Norman England

Answer 2

1. Large earldoms were replaced with smaller ones
2. Castles were built in shire towns
3. Honorial courts became more important than shire courts
4. Juries were introduced
5. Normans introduced.

Question 3

How did the Normans change language in law?

Answer 3

All writ and charters were written in Latin; Church laws were written in Latin

Question 4

How did the Normans change punishments?

Answer 4

The Normans were more brutal with their capital punishment, mutilation and the ordeal system.

Question 5

What was ordeal by fire?

Answer 5

A person put their arm into a cauldron of boiling water or held a red hot iron bar. The wound was bandaged and if it healed within three days they were innocent.

Question 6

What was ordeal by water?

Answer 6

The person was strapped to a chair and thrown into water. If they sank they were innocent, if they floated they were executed.

Question 7

What was ordeal by combat?

Answer 7

A nobleman would fight his accuser and whoever lost would be dead by the end of the fight.

Question 8

What was Forest Law?

Answer 8

Anyone caught hunting in forests could be fined, mutiliated, blinded or executed