By 1300 England was a heavily governed country, possessing a sophisticated centralised system of criminal justice. At the same time, however, it was a violent and lawless society. The exploits of outlaws like Robin Hood were celebrated in ballads, criminal gangs of gentry roamed the countryside, and royal judges went in fear of their lives. This course provides an introduction to the history of crime and punishment in late medieval England. Original sources will be used extensively to illustrate key themes.
The course will focus on five main topics:
1. The theory and practice of criminal justice. We look at concepts of law and justice, and how the system worked in practice. What was the theoretical basis of the criminal justice system? What do the sources tell us about popular concepts of justice? How did criminals get to court and what happened during the judicial process?
2. The nature and pattern of crime. Crime reflects the characteristics of the society in which it occurs. Late medieval England was an agrarian society organised on hierarchical lines. Most men carried weapons, and levels of interpersonal violence were high. We examine the prevailing pattern of crime, with particular attention to the activities of gentry gangs.
3. Robin Hood. We consider late medieval society through the lens of the Robin Hood ballads. How far do they reflect real historical circumstances?
4. Crime, rebellion and warfare. The most spectacular outbreaks of crime and disorder occurred during periods of civil war and rebellion. We look at upsurges in criminal activity associated with events such as the Peasants’ Revolt, Cade’s Rebellion, and the Wars of the Roses.
5. Conflict and conciliation. So far we have painted quite a bleak picture of violence and disorder in late medieval England. In the final session, we consider how medieval men and women attempted to resolve conflict. What role did the criminal justice system play in wider social processes of dispute settlement?
