New Crimes in Norman England

This section explores the changes in Crime and Punishments following the Norman Conquest of England. In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, invaded England. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings, he became known as King William I, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon England and the beginning of Norman rule. William’s reign introduced significant changes to the English legal system, including the introduction of new crimes that reflected his desire to consolidate power and maintain control over his newly acquired kingdom.

William’s Approach to Law and Order

William was known for his strict stance on law and order in Normandy, believing that it was essential to protect all people in his lands from crime and disorder. Unlike the Anglo-Saxons, who often saw crimes as personal offences against individuals, William viewed criminal acts as threats to the peace and stability of the realm, a peace that he saw as his personal responsibility to uphold. This shift in perspective influenced the legal framework he established in England, as William sought to assert his authority and deal with any opposition from the Anglo-Saxon population.

Upon becoming king, William faced significant resistance from the Anglo-Saxons, who were unhappy with the Norman invasion and their loss of power. To secure his rule, William introduced several new laws that were designed to establish his dominance and suppress any form of rebellion or unrest. Although he retained many elements of Anglo-Saxon law, these new laws were largely intended to control the people and maintain order under Norman rule.

New Laws Introduced by William

Murdrum Law

One of the first and most controversial laws introduced by William was the Murdrum law. This law was aimed at protecting the lives of Norman soldiers, who were often targeted by the Anglo-Saxon population, particularly in areas where Norman rule was not fully accepted. Under the Murdrum law, if a Norman was murdered and the murderer was not caught and executed, the entire region where the crime occurred was required to pay a murdrum fine. This collective punishment was designed to encourage the community to report criminals and deter any attacks on Normans, but it was deeply unpopular among the Anglo-Saxon population, who saw it as unfair and oppressive.

Forest Laws

The introduction of the Forest Laws marked another significant change to the legal landscape of Norman England. These laws were designed to protect the royal forests, vast areas of land reserved for hunting by the king and his nobles. Under the Forest Laws, the cutting down of trees was strictly prohibited, and the people living in these areas faced severe penalties for breaking the rules.

In addition to the ban on cutting down trees, people living in the forest were not allowed to own dogs or carry weapons such as bows and arrows. Hunting deer was also forbidden, and violators of the forest laws faced harsh punishments. For example, those caught hunting or using a bow and arrow without permission would have their first two fingers severed, rendering them incapable of using a bow again. Repeat offenders were even punished more severely, often being blinded.

The Forest Laws were particularly unpopular, as they restricted many of the activities that had previously been allowed on common land under Anglo-Saxon rule. The ability to hunt and collect firewood was crucial for the survival of many rural communities, and the Forest Laws were seen as both unfair and exploitative. As a result, many people ignored these laws, viewing them as a form of social crime rather than a serious legal offence. Local communities often turned a blind eye to those who broke the Forest Laws, failing to report crimes such as poaching or illegal wood gathering.

Laws Concerning Women

Another important shift under Norman rule was the treatment of women under the law. In Anglo-Saxon England, women had enjoyed more equality and autonomy compared to their counterparts in many other parts of medieval Europe. Women could own property, inherit land, and even participate in legal proceedings in certain circumstances. However, the laws introduced by the Normans were much harsher on women, curtailing some of the freedoms they had previously enjoyed.

Norman law placed more restrictions on women's rights and roles in society. The changes reflected broader societal shifts towards a more patriarchal structure, with a focus on maintaining control over women’s behaviour, property, and relationships. The new legal framework was less lenient towards women, particularly in cases of marriage, inheritance, and property ownership. The harsher treatment of women under Norman law represented a significant departure from the relative freedoms they had experienced under the Anglo-Saxons.

Impact of the New Laws

The introduction of these new laws under William’s rule had a profound impact on English society. While many of the new laws were aimed at maintaining control over the Anglo-Saxon population and securing Norman authority, they were also a reflection of William’s desire to create a society where order and stability were maintained at all costs. The Murdrum law and the Forest Laws were particularly unpopular, as they infringed on the rights and livelihoods of the common people. The harsh treatment of women under Norman law also marked a clear shift away from the relatively more progressive position of women in Anglo-Saxon England.

Overall, the new crimes and laws introduced by William I were designed to suppress dissent, protect the interests of the Normans, and reinforce the feudal system that was being established in England. The effects of these laws were far-reaching and contributed to the development of a more controlled and hierarchical society, one in which the king’s authority was absolute, and the power of the nobility was firmly entrenched. Despite the unpopularity of many of these laws, they played a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of Norman England and in establishing the foundations for the medieval English legal system.