THE MIDDLE AGES

WITCHCRAFT

During the Middle Ages, being charged with Witchcraft was extremely serious. People believed that witches were the devil's followers and that witches had powers that could bring great suffering and pain to others. 

 

They blamed the withces for natural disasters, famine, plagues, droughts, a failed harvest and stillbirths. 

 

Sometimes, the Medieval people accused others of witchcraft because of a desire for revenge or because of jealousy. And most people got away with this because it wasn't very difficult to find evidence to convict someone and frame them for witchcraft. 

CRIME CONTROL 

During the Middle Ages, there was no such thing as police forces. Crime control was in the hands of the community. 

 

If a villager saw someone breaking the law, the Lord would expect them to start the Hue and Cry and chase after the offender until he/she is caught. If the wrongdoer escaped, the villagers would be punished.