Online history course

England’s Crime and Punishment through the Ages : MC07

With historian Toni Mount

5-lesson course 2 hours 30 minutes Audio / Text

About this course

Discover 1,300 years of crime, justice and punishment, from Anglo-Saxon law to Victorian policing and forensic science.

What happened if you broke the law in medieval England? From public humiliation and gruesome executions to imprisonment and transportation, the history of crime and punishment reveals a fascinating — and sometimes shocking — side of everyday life.

Join historian Toni Mount as she explores how crime was investigated, how justice was administered and how punishments changed throughout English history. Discover the offences that troubled communities, the methods used to catch criminals and the often harsh consequences faced by those found guilty.

Explore the beliefs, fears and social attitudes that shaped England's justice system, and discover how centuries of changing laws and punishments helped create the system we recognise today.

5 focused lessons

Course content

  1. 01

    Lesson 1 - Anglo-Saxon and Norman Lawmakers

    Explore Anglo-Saxon legislation, early trials, laws introduced by William the Conqueror and a fascinating medieval legal case. Discover how early English law continues to influence modern justice.

  2. 02

    Lesson 2 - Law and Order in Medieval London

    Discover how Richard III tried to improve the legal system, how laws were enforced in medieval London, and what life was like for prisoners in the city's gaols.

  3. 03

    Lesson 3 - Tudor and Stuart Law and Disorder

    Investigate theft, begging, torture, dangerous travel, highwaywomen, prostitution and witchcraft in Tudor and Stuart England.

  4. 04

    Lesson 4 - Thief-takers and Prison-breakers of the 18th-century

    Meet notorious thief-takers and prison-breakers, hear extraordinary escape stories, and discover the fates of famous criminals such as Dick Turpin and Swift Nick.

  5. 05

    Lesson 5 - Victorian Policing, Murder and Other Crimes

    Trace the development of England's police force and forensic science, and explore some of the Victorian era's most notorious crimes and criminals.

Everything you need

What is included

  • 150minutes of course material (2 hours 30 minutes)
  • 5lessons
  • Streaming audio
  • Downloadable audio
  • Downloadable transcripts
  • Optional quizzes
  • Further reading
  • End-of-course certificate

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Enrol in this course

Course price$25 USD

Approximately £18.70 GBP / €22.30 EUR / A$36.20 AUD. Converted prices are estimates; payment is charged in USD.

  • Lifetime course access
  • Study at your own pace
  • Start whenever you are ready
  • Available internationally

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Toni Mount

Meet your historian

Toni Mount

Toni Mount is a historian, author and experienced history teacher specialising in medieval England, particularly the lives of ordinary people, medieval medicine and the Wars of the Roses.

She earned her research MA from the University of Kent in 2009, studying a medieval medical manuscript held at the Wellcome Library in London. She also holds a First-class Honours degree and a Diploma in European Humanities from the Open University, as well as a Certificate in Education from the University of Greenwich.

Toni has written numerous books on medieval history, including The Medieval Housewife & Other Women of the Middle Ages, Dragon's Blood & Willow Bark: The Mysteries of Medieval Medicine, Everyday Life in Medieval London and Richard III: King of Controversy. She is also the author of the Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery series.

Her research brings the medieval world to life, combining historical scholarship with fascinating details about the people who lived, worked and struggled through the Middle Ages.

View historian profile

Learner perspectives

Course reviews

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Wendy Crime and Punishment

Really interesting, thank you.

Wendy April 22, 2017

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Kimberly

The course was wonderful! I learned a lot of new information. I think the course paired well with the other courses offered by Medieval Courses. I also really like the bonus material that was added.

Kimberly April 28, 2017

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Samantha

This course was very stimulating and highly interesting.

Samantha July 21, 2017

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Charlotte

This course was incredibly informative, it told me so much about the crime and punishment law that I did not know, it was awesome.

Charlotte July 28, 2017

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Louisa

very enjoyable and interesting

Louisa May 4, 2023

Before you begin

Frequently asked questions

Is there a guarantee?

Yes. Please see our Guarantees page for full details.

Do I need to complete the quizzes?

No. The quizzes are optional, but they're a useful and enjoyable way to test your knowledge and reinforce what you've learned.

How long does the course take?

The course contains 2 hours and 30 minutes of audio lectures. You can stream or download them and listen at your own pace, with lifetime access.

Do I need to buy any books or extra materials?

No. The audio lectures and downloadable transcripts provide everything you need. A further reading list is included if you'd like to explore the subject in more detail.

When does the course start?

You can start at any time after enrolling. The course is entirely online, with no fixed start date or deadlines.