Medieval and Early Law Enforcement
Your journey through English crime and punishment starts with the Anglo-Saxons, who had a surprisingly community-based approach to justice. Villages organised themselves into groups called tithings (12 men who were responsible for each other's behaviour), and when a crime occurred, everyone would raise a hue and cry to chase down the criminal.
The wergild system meant criminals paid compensation to victims or their families rather than facing prison time. Trials involved local juries or bizarre methods like trial by ordeal - suspects might be forced to carry hot iron or eat blessed bread to prove their innocence!
When William I conquered England in 1066, he kept many Anglo-Saxon methods but became much harsher. William believed crime was an attack on the "king's peace" and dramatically increased the use of capital punishment (death by hanging). Even criminals could claim sanctuary in churches to escape capture.
Key Point: The shift from Anglo-Saxon community justice to Norman royal authority marked the beginning of centralised law enforcement in England.
