Crime in Anglo Saxon England

• What was the population of England in 1000 AD?

  Less than two million people
• Where did the majority of the population live in 1000 AD?

  In villages in the countryside
• Who was responsible for law enforcement before the king's power grew?

  Local communities
• What was the king's duty regarding law enforcement?

  To keep the king's peace
• Who was the king of England in 1000 AD?

  Ethelred
• What challenge did King Ethelred face during his reign?

  Viking attacks on England
• What was the relationship between the king and the nobles?

  Nobles supported the king in exchange for land
• Who were the freemen in Anglo-Saxon England?

  People who owned small areas of land
• What was the status of serfs in Anglo-Saxon England?

  They owned no land and worked for nobles
• What types of actions were considered crimes against authority?

  Actions threatening the social structure, like a serf fighting a noble
• What types of crimes increased with the growth of towns?

  Crimes against the person and property
• Name two towns mentioned that were growing during this period.

  Hamwic and Lundenwic
• What type of crimes was the Church responsible for policing?

  Moral crimes
• Give an example of a moral crime the Church policed.

  Sex outside marriage
• What was one of the teachings the Church expected people to follow?

  Following the teachings of the Church