Lesson 3: Anglo- Saxon England - methods of law enforcement

• What was the main reason for the growth of towns in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Trade and the need for law protection
• How did the power of the King relate to the strength of the Kingdom?

  The number of Kings indicated the Kingdom's strength
• What was expected of everyone in Anglo-Saxon times regarding laws?

  Everyone was expected to protect the laws
• Who was responsible for seeking justice in the community?

  The villagers were responsible for seeking justice
• What was the "Hue and Cry" in Anglo-Saxon England?

  A call for help to capture a suspect
• What were the large regions of England called?

  Shires
• Who led a group called 'Hundreds'?

  A Hundredsman
• How many tithings were in each hundred?

  Ten tithings
• What was the role of a Tithingman?

  To enforce the law in a village
• What was the King's Shire Reeve's role?

  To meet with a representative from the King
• What were the three main beliefs about law enforcement in Anglo-Saxon England?

  1. Collective community responsibility for policing
  2. Religion's influence on guilt and innocence
  3. Status in society affecting legal outcomes
• How did religion influence justice in Anglo-Saxon England?

  It determined innocence or guilt through trials
• What was the first stage in the trial process?

  Taking an Oath
• What were "Oath helpers"?

  Helpers who supported the accused's oath
• What happened if the accused was a repeat offender?

  They could not swear an oath
• What was the purpose of a 'Trial by ordeal'?

  To determine guilt or innocence by God
• What was involved in the Trial by Hot Water?

  A hand placed in boiling water
• What indicated innocence in the Trial by Hot Water?

  If the hand healed well
• What was the process in the Trial by Hot Iron?

  Holding a burning hot iron
• What indicated guilt in the Trial by Hot Iron?

  If the hand did not heal
• What was the method used in the Trial by Cold Water?

  Being thrown into blessed cold water
• What indicated innocence in the Trial by Cold Water?

  If the person sank in the water
• What was the Trial by Blessed Bread reserved for?

  Priests only
• What indicated innocence in the Trial by Blessed Bread?

  If the accused swallowed easily
• What indicated guilt in the Trial by Blessed Bread?

  If the accused choked or coughed