Lesson 2: Anglo- Saxon England - Types of crime

• What was the estimated population of England in 1066?

  Approximately 2,000,000
• What percentage of people lived in the countryside in 1066?

  90%
• Who made the laws in Anglo-Saxon England?

  The King
• Who was responsible for enforcing the laws?

  The local community
• What was the role of the Christian Church in law enforcement?

  It had power in enforcing laws
• What was considered a crime in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Any action challenging authority
• What was the consequence of a serf fighting a Noble?

  It was seen as a high-level crime
• What does treason refer to?

  Actions challenging the King's authority
• What is meant by 'Crimes against Authority'?

  Crimes challenging the King's power
• What was the King's duty regarding law and order?

  To keep the 'King's Peace'
• Who had the right to change existing laws?

  The King
• How did the growth of towns influence crime?

  It created more opportunities for crime
• What are the two main types of crime that emerged in towns?

  • Crimes against the person
  • Crimes against property
• Why was it easier to commit crimes in towns?

  People did not know each other
• What role did local communities play in crime prevention in villages?

  They took Collective Responsibility
• What does Collective Responsibility mean?

  Being responsible for others' actions
• Who was the local official chosen by the community?

  The Reeve
• What was the Reeve's role in the community?

  To carry out local court decisions
• What role did the local church play in the community?

  It played a vital role