Crime & Punishment

Tracing some of the earliest foundations for crime and punishment in England, from the King’s Peace to the role of the Church.

Identifying Anglo-Saxon methods of apprehending criminals and what kind of punishments those who broke the law could expect.

The invasion and conquest of England by William the Conqueror and his long lasting and punitive legacy on crime and punishment.

Explaining the new Norman laws and customs that were introduced in the 11th century and their effect on the native Anglo-Saxons.

This period witnessed immense change in terms of crime and punishment in England, as a plethora of new specific roles were introduced.

For many centuries the Church played a hugely significant role in determining the innocence or guilt of accused criminals.

As attitudes towards the Catholic Church began to change, new laws were put into place to deal with the heretic reformers.

Discussing the Puritan rule of Oliver Cromwell and the unpopular changes he made to English law and his reasoning behind it.

Between 1500 and 1700, further legal roles were introduced in England, while at the same time the foundations of the prison system began to develop.

The Catholic plot to kill King James I is one of the most famous assassination attempts in history, leading to a great deal of anti-Catholic legislation that lasted for centuries.

Explaining how the superstitious belief in Witchcraft developed, and how it led to the persecution of hundreds of women in England.

How the son of a Puritan preacher styled himself as the Witchfinder General and how his methods led to a period of Witch Hysteria in England.

Providing specific examples of how the introduction of new laws led to a growth in criminality in England.

How the establishment of one of the first Trade Unions in England was met with a disproportionate reaction from the government.

As attitudes towards capital punishment began to change, the government sought new methods to punish criminals.

How the work of the Fielding brothers in London, led to the development of the first modern police force.

During the 19th century, architects created a prison built to isolate prisoners, and encourage self reflection; the effects it would have on their mental health were shocking.

Explaining how one of the most notable Prime Ministers in English History went on to become known as ‘The Father of Modern Policing.’

As time passes, legislation and attitudes towards crime evolve, leading to the criminalisation and decriminalisation of crimes over time.

How the police created specialist roles and adopted new scientific and technological advances in the 20th century.

The story of how capital punishment came to be abolished in England and how the treatment of young offenders evolved.

To refuse military service on the grounds of religion or political views labelled that person a conscientious objector, but how they were treated was barbaric by modern standards.

An investigation into one of the most controversial murder cases in the 20th century, that led to a 40 year campaign to have his conviction overturned.

Explaining how the living conditions and limited opportunities for employment in Whitechapel towards the end of the 19 th century, caused criminality to thrive.

How the influx of migrants to Whitechapel led to overpopulation in the district, and how tensions began to grow as a result of new political views.

The way in which the police were organised at this time was one of its main drawbacks, as competition between divisions and a lack of shared information hampered investigations.

The problems faced by the police in Whitechapel were wide ranging, including social issues and a lack of manpower.

Investigating one of the most famous serial killers of all time led to the development of new police techniques that have become standard practice internationally.

Although the Ripper was never identified, the police learned valuable lessons, and the link between poor living conditions and criminality led to great improvements in housing for the working classes.