Law Enforcement

• What time period does the study material focus on for law enforcement in England?

  1500-1700
• What was a significant factor for changes in law enforcement during this period?

  The increasing size of the populations of towns
• Why did traditional methods of law enforcement become less effective?

  Because of the increasing size of town populations
• What was needed as a result of the changes in population size in towns?

  A more organised system of law enforcement
• Who played a part in law enforcement in early modern England?

  Town authorities and local communities
• What happened to the role of the justice system in early modern England?

  The role of the justice system decreased
• What are the key aspects of continuity and change in catching criminals and preventing crime in early modern England?

  • Increasing town populations led to changes in law enforcement
  • Traditional methods became less effective
  • Need for a more organized system
  • Involvement of town authorities and local communities
  • Decrease in the role of the justice system
• What role did watchmen play in early modern England?


  They patrolled to catch criminals and prevent crime
• What was the role of watchmen in urban areas?

  They tried to reduce urban crime
• What tools did watchmen use during their patrols?

  They carried a lantern and rang a bell
• Who were the watchmen?

  All male householders who volunteered
• What time of day did watchmen patrol?

  They patrolled at night and dawn
• Who oversaw the watchmen's activities?

  Local authorities
• What was the time period referred to in the study material?

  €1500-1700
• What was a significant factor for changes in law enforcement in early modern England?

  The increasing size of the populations of towns
• How did traditional methods of law enforcement change in early modern England?

  They became less effective, leading to a more organized system
• What role did the Church play in the justice system during early modern England?

  The role of the Church in the justice system decreased
• What were the two main categories of the Act for the Poor in early modern England?

  • Serving (elderly)
  • Indigent (unable to work)
• What was expected of people when a crime took place in early modern England?

  People were expected to raise and join the hue and cry
• What was the state of law enforcement in terms of national police force during early modern England?

  There was no national police force
• How did the methods and effectiveness of preventing crime vary in early modern England?

  They varied widely across the country
• What alternative justice system did the Church provide in the Middle Ages?

  Benefit of clergy and sanctuary
• How did the justice system change in the early modern period compared to the Middle Ages?

  The justice system became more powerful and secular
• What changes occurred regarding the benefit of clergy during the early modern period?

  Henry VIII allowed it only once, and serious crimes were exempted
• What happened to Church courts in 1576 regarding criminal acts?

  They could no longer try criminal acts, only moral ones
• What was the consequence of claiming benefit of clergy after 1576?

  People could receive more lenient sentences than others
• What change did Henry VIII make regarding sanctuary claims?

  He stopped exile abroad for those claiming sanctuary
• What significant change occurred in 1623 regarding sanctuary?

  Sanctuary was abolished altogether
• What were the responsibilities of town watchmen in early modern England?

  • Carried a lamp to light their way
  • Rang a bell to alert people
  • Patrolled the streets between 10pm and dawn
  • All male householders were expected to volunteer
  • Role was unpaid
  • Overseen by town constable
• What were the responsibilities of town constables in early modern England?

  • Employed by authorities in towns
  • Respected members of the community
  • Had the power to arrest suspects
  • In charge of the watchmen in their area
  • Helped with town administration
• What was the time frame for the responsibilities of watchmen?

  Between 10pm and dawn
• Who was responsible for overseeing the watchmen?

  The town constable
• List three ways local communities were responsible for enforcing the law in early modern England.

  • Raising the hue and cry to catch criminals
  • Volunteering as watchmen
  • Supporting town constables in law enforcement