Scientists have created an interactive map highlighting the brutal murders that took place in medieval Britain. The map focuses on crimes committed in London, Oxford, and York during the 14th century. A total of 354 homicides were recorded, including shocking incidents such as a deadly football match and a priest killing a man he found with his lover. However, the researchers believe that Oxford should be deemed the “murder capital” of medieval Britain, primarily due to its large student population.
The Medieval Murder Map is based on investigations from 700-year-old coroners’ inquests. Users can select between the three cities and filter the murders by genders involved, weapons used, time and day of the incident, and number of perpetrators. Clicking on each icon reveals a case file about the murder, with some files including audio versions of the inquests.
According to the researchers, the homicide rate in Oxford was up to five times higher than in late medieval London or York. The majority of perpetrators identified by the coroner were categorized as ‘clericus’, as were most homicide victims. In this context, ‘clericus’ likely refers to students or members of the early university. Professor Manuel Eisner, the lead investigator for the murder map and Director of Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology, explained that the deadly mix of conditions in a medieval university city like Oxford included young men between the ages of 14 and 21, who were free from the constraints of family or guild, and had access to weapons, alehouses, and sex workers. Additionally, conflicts often arose within the student body due to regional fraternities called ‘nations’.
The research team estimated the homicide rate in late medieval Oxford to be around 60-75 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than current rates in 21st century English cities. The combination of young male students and alcohol often fueled violence. For example, in 1298, an argument between students in an Oxford tavern escalated into a street brawl involving swords and battle-axes. One student, John Burel, sustained a fatal wound to the head. In another incident, a gang of students killed their fellow student, David de Trempedhwy, after he brought a sex worker to their school in 1296.
In a separate study, experts have reconstructed the face of a medieval warrior who died in one of Europe’s most savage battles in 1361. The fighter’s skull was found in a mass grave in Visby, Sweden. Brazilian graphics expert Cicero Moraes used his digital skills to bring the warrior’s features back to life. The warrior suffered from a smashed mouth, wounds above his left eye, and on his left cheekbone, presumably caused by various weapons.
These revelations shed light on the violent past of medieval Britain, showcasing the dark and ruthless events that unfolded during this time period.
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