Medieval Crime and Punishment

Ideal for Key Stage 3 or 4 pupils learning about crime and punishment through time or specifically about medieval realms, or for KS2 if you want to look at a grislier side of castle life. This workshop’s activities look at the role of the Castle as a prison and criminal court.

The workshop takes place in the Harbottle Suite in the Black Gate. This is an indoor classroom with two toilets (one accessible) and heating. It lasts approximately 90 minutes, though this can be varied if necessary to fit your needs.

Activities include:

• A handling activity with various replica instruments used for the punishment of criminals in medieval times (includes a good photo opportunity with one of the class in the pillory!)

• An activity where evidence from real medieval trials that took place at the Castle is presented and the students must act as the jury and decide the case

• A discussion activity around the merits of trial by ordeal and trial by jury, and what the advantages and disadvantages of each method might be

• A round table activity with wanted posters featuring various ‘unusual’ crimes from the medieval and Tudor periods. What were these crimes, and why were these things illegal?

Learning Outcomes:

Changes in an aspect of social history, such as crime and punishment from the Anglo-Saxons to the present, a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066, reflective learning, team working, effective participation, independent enquiry, communication, fun and enjoyment with others, self-confidence, self-esteem, community understanding, community cohesion and tolerance