Norman Crimes

• What significant event occurred in October 1066?


  The invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy
• Why did William allow Anglo-Saxon nobles to keep their power and land?


  Because they knew how the country was run and the laws of the land
• What was one of the main actions William took to show his authority by 1100?


  He replaced all old Anglo-Saxon nobles with Norman nobles
• What was the punishment for poaching under William's rule?


  Hanging or corporal punishment such as blinding or castration
• What was the King's Peace in Anglo-Saxon belief?


  The belief that all men should be safe and it was the King's responsibility
• What was the Trial by Combat introduced by the Normans?


  An ordeal where arguments over money or land were settled by two men fighting to the death
• What were the main changes in crime and punishment introduced by William after 1066?


  • Harsher laws and punishments
  • Introduction of the Murdrum Fine
  • New punishments for poaching
  • Centralized law-making
  • Trial by Combat as a new ordeal
  • Establishment of Church Courts
• What were the methods William used to maintain control over the Anglo-Saxon population?


  • Replacing Anglo-Saxon nobles with Norman nobles
  • Building castles to show strength
  • Implementing the Feudal System
  • Using the Hue and Cry for law enforcement
  • Punishing groups for crimes
• What aspects of crime and punishment remained the same during the Norman reign?


  • The concept of Collective Responsibility
  • The use of fines as punishment
  • The Hue and Cry as a method of law enforcement
• How did Church Courts differ from regular courts in terms of punishment?


  They tended to be more lenient.
• What religious rituals did the Normans use for the Trial by Ordeal?


  Hot iron, water, and cold water
• What was the 'Harrying of the North'?


  A campaign where farmland and animals were destroyed, leading to starvation.
• How did the Murdrum Fine reflect the idea of Collective Responsibility?


  It showed that the local community was responsible for the actions of its members.
• What was the new punishment for poaching introduced by William?


  Hanging or corporal punishment such as blinding or castration.
• What new type of ordeal was introduced during the Norman period?


  Trial by Combat
• How was Trial by Combat conducted?


  Two men would fight to the death with swords or large sticks.
• Why did William order extreme punishments during rebellions?


  To deter further rebellion and maintain control.
• What was the role of the Trial by Ordeal in Norman justice?


  It was a religious ritual used to determine guilt or innocence.
• What were the main reasons for changes in crime and punishment after the Norman invasion?


  • To gain greater control over the land
  • To enforce stricter laws against rebellion
  • To establish a centralized system of governance
• What were the key features of the Feudal System introduced by William?


  • Nobles worked for the King
  • Peasants could not leave their villages
  • Collective responsibility through tithings
• What were the consequences of the Forest Laws for the Anglo-Saxon population?


  • Peasants were evicted from common land
  • Harsh punishments for poaching
  • Creation of Royal Forests for the King
• How did the introduction of the Murdrum Fine change the legal landscape?


  • Shifted financial responsibility to the community
  • Ended the Anglo-Saxon practice of Wergild
  • Increased the King's revenue from local communities
• What were the effects of the 'Harrying of the North' on the population?


  • Destruction of farmland and livestock
  • Starvation of around 100,000 people
  • Increased fear and control over the Anglo-Saxons