LibGuides: Middle Ages: Crime and Punishment

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Resource Key

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LEVEL 1

Brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)

LEVEL 2

Provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.

LEVEL 3

Lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)

Crime and Punishment

Introduction to Changes in Crime and Punishment in Britain c500 to the present day
An introduction, however students may need to find this information in another resource to validate it.
Crime and Punishment- History on the Net
Another good summary of the changes in Crime and Punishment, however primary sources need to be located independently.
Crime and Punishment at Warrick Castle
Three page PDF that also has some names of torture devices.
Medieval Justice Not So Medieval
A look at whether Medieval punishments were valid.
"The common view of the medieval justice system as cruel and based around torture and execution is often unfair and inaccurate," said University of Cambridge historian Helen Mary Carrel.
Medieval Fact Sheets
Learn about crimes, laws, trials and punishments in Medieval times, between AD1066 and AD 1485.

Trial by Ordeal

Why the medieval trial by ordeal actually worked as an effective test of guilt
Up until 1215 Trial by Ordeal was used on "guilty people", Pope Innocent III forbid the use of torture methods and Trial by Jury was used. This is the start of the modern Judicial system.
A History of "Trial By Ordeal"
A good history of "Trial by Ordeal" with descriptions of 11 trials by ordeal.

Trial by Jury

The Medieval Origins Of Trial By Jury
The language is quite complex in this article, however there are some good pointers for further investigation for students.
Magna Carta and jury trial
The history of jury trials and their relationship to Magna Carta.

During the Medieval period, trial by ordeal was not uncommon. The accused was tied up and tossed in the water – if they floated they were guilty but if they drowned they were innocent. Justice was not exactly being served! However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. After the Norman invasion, Parliament was the highest court in England and Edward the First introduced more statutes than any other medieval king.

Citation:

ClickView (2017). Crime and Punishment. ClickView.

‌In-text citation: (ClickView, 2017)

The feudal relationships during the Middle Ages established a hierarchy that deeply affected the social landscape of the period. This programme teaches students about the complex relationships between a lord, his vassals and their serfs - an intertwining of the wealthy and poor that ensured everyone in these medieval societies depended on each other. Discover the importance of land during this time and how ownership of estates affected nearly every aspect of life.

Focus Questions

What are the key features of your chosen aspect of Medieval life?
How does your aspect demonstrate the beliefs and ideas of Medieval society?
What does it reveal to us about what people thought at the time?
What are some of the ways that your aspect reflected and re-enforced medieval social structures?
Explain with reference to at least two different historians’ opinions.
How and why did your aspect change over time?
In your opinion does your topic demonstrate similarities between the medieval period and today? Explain

Torture Devices

Medieval Warefare: Medieval Torture
An extensive list of torture devices and references to primary sources.

Middle Ages: Crime and Punishment

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