Punishments in Anglo-Saxon times - Crime and Punishment - Year 5

During the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, the concept of a unified nation was non-existent, with various groups of Anglo-Saxons settling in different territories, each led by their own leader or war chief. The title of 'cyning', which translates to 'king', was bestowed upon leaders who demonstrated power and success in their reign. These kings ruled their realms and led small armies. On occasion, a particularly dominant king might declare themselves 'bretwalda', claiming rulership over the entirety of Britain. Unlike the modern era, where prisons are common, the Anglo-Saxons did not have such institutions. Punishments for crimes were primarily execution or fines, and those who evaded justice were deemed ‘outlaws’, fair game for pursuit by anyone unless they found sanctuary within a church.

The Anglo-Saxons had a unique approach to dealing with crime, which included specific fines for certain offences. For example, a burglary would result in a fine of five shillings, payable to the victim. Lesser crimes, such as theft, could have severe physical repercussions, including the loss of a nose or hand. One of the most notable aspects of their justice system was the 'weregild'. This required an offender to compensate the victim or their family for injuries or death, thus aiming to prevent perpetual family feuds. The weregild varied significantly depending on the victim's social status, with the life of a thane valued at 6,000 pennies and that of a king at an immense 90,000 pennies. Such practices raise questions about how 'crime and punishment' has evolved over time and which Anglo-Saxon legal principles have endured to influence contemporary laws.