Crimes And Punishments: c.1500–c.1700

Question 1

What punishment did drunkenness receive?

Answer 1

Fines. If it was regular, whipping.

Question 2

What punishment did failing to attend church receive?

Answer 2

Fines – namely, recusancy fines.

Question 3

What punishment did fraud receive?

Answer 3

Low-scale fraud would get fines. Otherwise, hanging.

Question 4

What punishment did gambling receive?

Answer 4

Fines.

Question 5

What punishment did heresy receive?

Answer 5

Burning at the stake.

Question 6

What punishment did murder receive?

Answer 6

16th century: only hanging
Began during the reign of James I (1603-25): transportation
Transportation to America was the only alternative.

Question 7

What punishment did poaching receive?

Answer 7

Fines before the Waltham Black Act in 1723.

Question 8

What punishment did scolding receive?

Answer 8

House of Correction. If not, ducking stool. Usually applied to women who told off their husbands.

Question 9

What punishment did false pricing of goods receive?

Answer 9

Stocks.

Question 10

What punishment did smuggling receive?

Answer 10

Fines were applied to local people who weren’t really involved. Ringleaders executed.

Question 11

What punishment did theft receive?

Answer 11

Very low-scale theft: whipping
More than 1 shilling: hanging

Question 12

What punishment did vagabondage receive?

Answer 12

Whipping, or carting, or being sent to a House of Correction.

Question 13

What punishment did witchcraft receive?

Answer 13

Hanging.

Question 14

What forms of corporal punishment were there?

Answer 14

Whipping
Maiming – permanently injure or wound
Branding
Removing specific body parts