5 Common Medieval Crimes and Their Punishments

The crime did not always fit the punishment

A tapestry entitled “The Baker’s Punishment” (Public domain)

Punishment in the Middle Ages was much harsher than it is now and that stems from a distinct lack of law enforcement ability. People across Medieval Europe lived in small hamlets, on feudal farms, or in larger towns and cities. Out in the countryside, there was no rapid response to crime and wrongdoing which is…