Early modern law enforcement

• When were import duties introduced in England?

  In the 17th century
• Why did smugglers make money during the introduction of import duties?

  They avoided taxes by bringing goods into the country secretly
• What made anti-smuggling laws difficult to enforce?

  Local people often supported the smugglers
• What happened in England after the execution of Charles I in 1649?

  England became a republic for eleven years
• Who ruled England during the republican period after Charles I's execution?

  Extremist Protestants called Puritans, led by Oliver Cromwell
• What activities did the Puritans ban for being ungodly?

  Sport on Sundays, drinking, feasting, and Christmas festivities
• By 1700, what was the population of London?

  500,000
• Why did crimes such as theft and fraud become more common in towns?

  Due to the anonymity of life in a town
• Who appointed town constables and watchmen?

  Town authorities or rich men
• What was the role of town constables?

  To patrol towns, protect homes, and arrest serious criminals
• How were night watchmen compensated for their work?

  They were unpaid volunteers
• What did night watchmen do while patrolling the town at night?

  They carried a lamp and rang a bell to warn people
• What was a 'thief taker' and what issue arose from this practice?

  A hired individual to catch thieves, leading to corruption
• How did the role of thief takers contribute to crime in early modern England?

  Many criminals became thief takers and informed on others