This challenging study sets out to explore the nature and meaning of violence in fifteenth-century England. Philippa Maddern examines violence on each side of the law - both in crime and in law enforcement - in order to uncover the attitudes and beliefs of the inhabitants of medieval East Anglia. She investigates the way their moral code was reflected in the procedures and punishments of the courts, and assesses the success of the legal system in maintaining authority and order.

Dr Maddern reveals the strong concern for order apparent in fifteenth-century society, and offers a subtle and intelligent analysis of the role of violence. Based on extensive archival research, her scholarly and original study makes an important contribution to our understanding of the medieval world-view.