Definitions
What is an 'ordeal'?
The accused had to pass a dangerous test
Who were usually accused of being witches?
Women
Name the three main trials by ordeal studied in class
Trial by fire
Trial by water
Trial by combat
There were no police in medieval times and to make sure that people kept themselves away from crime and disorder, they were subject to strict p_____________
Punishments
Was prison a punishment option in medieval times?
No
What was 'treason'?
The crime of attempting to overthrow the government of one's country or of attempting to kill or injure the ruler or the ruler's family.
What was a common crime that was committed?
Stealing
Thieves/pickpockets would target travellers with money in their pouches.
What was an ordeal by fire?
The accused had to carry a red-hot bar of iron and walk 3m. If the wound healed cleanly within three days, they were innocent. But if it festered, guilty.
What is a Scold's Bridle?
A punishment used to hurt and humiliate women whose speech or behaviour was thought to be too offensive or unruly.
How was the crime of gossiping punished?
What is 'heresy'?
Going against the beliefs of the Catholic/Christian Church.
If you were a woman who didn't believe in God, what were you often accused of being?
A witch
Who was the judge of a trial by ordeal?
God
What was the 'ducking stool'?
A punishment. The culprits were put on a stool which was placed over water and then dunked under. If they were innocent, they would sink to the bottom of the water and drown. If they were guilty, they would float to the top of the water.
In what trial by ordeal could you nominate someone else to do for you?
Trial by combat
What is 'vagrancy'?
Homelessness
The pillory/stocks were a punishment for...
Minor crimes
What organisation was usually in charge of trials by ordeal?
The Church
Name three other punishments studied in class
Lashing or a flogging with a whip
Being put in the stocks
Hanging
Drawn and quartered
Mutilation
In what location were criminals often punished?
In public
What is 'blasphemy'?
In the early history of the Church, blasphemy "was considered to show active disrespect to God and to involve the use of profane cursing or mockery of his powers".
Give an example of a crime in medieval Europe that is no longer a crime.
Nagging your husband.
Failing to go to church.
Working on a Sunday.
Hunting on royal land.
Criticising the Church
Blasphemy
After 1215 the trials by ordeal were replaced by trial by _______
Jury
Describe ONE punishment in Medieval Europe and identify which crime it was for.
- Witchcraft --> Burnt at stake/ducking stool
- Stocks/pillory --> Minor offences
- Scold's Bridle --> nagging wife
- Gibbet --> For those who committed more serious crimes, such as murder or thievery.
- Treason --> Impalement, drawn+quartered, beheaded, hanged
What is a medieval punishment that is still used today?
Pay a fine.
Do extra work.
Hanging.