Lesson 4: Anglo- Saxon England- Punishments

• What is the focus of Lesson 4 in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Types of punishments carried out
• Why were trials in Anglo-Saxon England not considered punishments?

  They were ways to prove innocence or guilt
• How did social status affect punishments in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Punishments depended on the person's social group
• What is the term for the compensation paid for murder in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Wergild
• What does the term 'wergild' translate to?

  'Man price'
• What was the purpose of the wergild payment?

  To prevent revenge killings by the victim's family
• How did the amount of wergild vary?

  It depended on the social status of the victim
• What were the wergild amounts for different social statuses?

  • Noble: 1500 shillings
  • Freeman: 100 shillings
  • Serf: 40 shillings
• What is a capital punishment?

  Death penalty for severe crimes
• What were the purposes of capital punishment in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Retribution and deterrence for crimes
• Which crimes were considered the most serious in Anglo-Saxon England?

  Treason and arson
• Why was arson considered a serious crime?

  It threatened nobility's land and authority
• What is the definition of corporal punishment?

  Physical harm and pain to the body
• How were corporal punishments viewed compared to capital punishments?

  They were seen as more lenient
• Who carried out corporal punishments?

  Shire Reeve, tithing men, local courts
• What was the purpose of public punishments like stocks and pillory?

  Deterrence and public humiliation
• How did the stocks and pillory secure a person?

  By securing feet or impaling arms and head
• What would happen to a person in the stocks or pillory?

  They faced public humiliation and abuse
• What was a common crime that led to public punishment?

  Public disorder, such as drunkenness
• What are the key features of public punishments in Anglo-Saxon England?

  • Least harsh form of punishment
  • Acts as a deterrent
  • Public humiliation
  • Often involved poor weather exposure