Who is a famous Criminal in the Tudor Period?”
Crime rates were high even though punishments for crimes were harsh. For stealing, a man would have his hands and ears cut off, his nostrils slit and his cheek branded with an “F”. A man who poisoned another was boiled in water, even if his victim did not die. A woman who poisoned her husband was burned alive, as were many so-called witches. Hanging often included having your entrails taken out while you were still alive. Then your body was cut into four pieces and your head put on a pole for public exhibition. These cruel events were often viewed by the public as entertainment and the cruelty of the times extended into blood sports like baiting bears and bulls. The poor creatures were tied to stakes while packs of dogs attacked them for people’s enjoyment. Cock fighting was another popular entertainment. Depending on the religion of the king or queen of the day you could be heavily fined or executed for your religious beliefs. Catholic Queen Mary 1, for example, persecuted Protestants
