Medieval England's Deadly Streets

September 2023
University of Cambridge

Medieval England's Deadly Streets

Introduction

Dive into the deadly streets of medieval England with the University of Cambridge's Medieval Murder Maps project! Discover how Oxford's scholarly youth turned the city into a perilous place, with a homicide rate 4-5 times higher than London or York. Explore intriguing digital maps plotting centuries-old crimes, from tavern brawls to tragic tales of students and sex workers. It's history, but not as you know it – full of intrigue, danger, and a dash of dark humor. Ready to time-travel?

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Why It Matters

Discover how this topic shapes your world and future

Unveiling the Past, Understanding Today

Imagine stepping into a time machine that takes you back to the bustling streets of medieval England, where every corner holds a story of intrigue, conflict, and sometimes, murder. The Medieval Murder Maps project brings this world to life, revealing the darker side of urban life in cities like Oxford, London, and York during the 14th century. This isn't just about the macabre fascination with crime scenes; it's a window into the social fabric of the past. Understanding the causes and patterns of violence in medieval England helps us see how societal structures, professional rivalries, and youthful recklessness can brew a lethal concoction. It's a reminder that the issues we face today, like violence among youth or conflicts within communities, have historical roots. By exploring this topic, you're not just learning about history; you're uncovering the layers of human behavior and societal evolution. This journey into the past might just change how you view the present.

Speak like a Scholar

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Coroner's inquests

Investigations into sudden or suspicious deaths, where a jury of locals would gather evidence and try to piece together what happened.

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Clericus

In medieval times, this term referred to students or members of the early university, highlighting the role education played in individuals' identities.

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Fraternities called ‘nations’

Groups within medieval universities based on regional identity, which could lead to rivalries and conflicts among students.

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Hue and cry

A legal obligation for witnesses or victims of a crime to alert the community, demonstrating the communal approach to law and order.

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Sanctuary church

A place where alleged felons could seek temporary safety and negotiate their fate, showing the intertwining of religious and legal practices.

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Thwytel

A small knife used in everyday tasks, illustrating the commonplace nature of weapons and the potential for violence in daily life.

Independent Research Ideas

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The role of alcohol in medieval violence

Investigate how access to alehouses contributed to the high rates of violence among students and other groups in medieval cities. This could shed light on the social dynamics of drinking cultures then and now.

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Women's voices in the hue and cry

Explore the specific role women played in maintaining peace through the hue and cry system, offering insights into gender roles and community policing in medieval England.

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Weaponry and social status

Examine how the types of weapons used in homicides (e.g., swords vs. knives) reflected the social status or profession of the individuals involved. This could reveal the relationship between social hierarchy and violence.

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Sanctuary churches as medieval asylums

Research the function of sanctuary churches, analyzing how this practice balanced between offering mercy and enforcing banishment, and its implications for understanding medieval justice and religious sanctity.

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Student fraternities and violence

Delve into the conflicts arising within and between the 'nations' or student fraternities in medieval universities, uncovering the roots of group identity and rivalry that could parallel modern-day university life or even sports rivalries.