Murder and violence were thriving in the Middle Ages. Homicide rates were extraordinarily high in Medieval Europe, and in England they were at least ten times what they are today! Was the King of the land a bad ruler? Did your neighbour insult your honour? Was your friend sleeping with your wife? Well… wouldn’t it be marvelous if you could have consulted an Illustrated Medieval Murder Handbook for ideas and tips in the Middle Ages? 

Violence was a significant influence in those times, as it was considered an acceptable part of Medieval life. Rape, drunken brawls, war, brutal tournaments and deadly rivalries for power and land were all too frequent. Brute force was accepted and even respected in the Middle Ages. Violence played a major role in family disputes, in the justice system, and even in education and entertainment. During periods of weak kingship, violence by noblemen as well as riots and revolts, could reach terrifying levels. Infanticide was also relatively common – it would’ve been simple to claim than an infant died of illness.

For example, the homicide rate in Amsterdam dropped from 47 per 100,000 people in the mid-15th century to 1 to 1.5 per 100,000 in the early 19th century. People often got away with murder as there was no police force, detective work as a discipline did not exist, and methods of distinguishing accidental death from murder were primitive to say the least. Medieval people had poor understanding of food hygiene and disease and would sooner suspect an enemy of lacing their food with hemlock or wolfsbane, than to imagine that bacteria could be the cause of death. However, such poisoning incidents were all too real throughout history when religion, politics or power were involved!

Expressing one’s savage impulses was seemingly easier since everyone carried a knife or dagger, even women. If you sat down somewhere to eat, you were expected to have your own. Given the lack of sanitation at the time, even a simple knife wound could prove deadly.

The traditional Medieval European concept of honour was a person’s willingness to kill people over an insult. Honour was paramount – insults to honour were taken seriously, and violence was the accepted method of settling disputes since the king’s courts were slow, expensive and corrupt. Honour-driven violence was prevalent among powerful and wealthy noblemen, and many slayings in Medieval England started as quarrels among farmers in the field. 

When found guilty of a crime, punishment by the law was intended to be spectacular. Most serious crimes were punishable by hanging, but there was often a spectacle of brutality to emphasize the guilt of the accused and to deter spectators. It therefore made undeniable sense that poisoning one’s enemies was the most preferred method of assassination as it was so brilliantly covert… much more secretive than a dagger in the back!   

The Illustrated Medieval Murder Handbook collection shows how murder and violence was a familiar part of Medieval life! This authentically Medieval four-sheet DIY printable makes a complete set of 12 miniature books. It consists of murder book covers cleverly labelled with murder nouns and ‘how to’ intents. There are also dark-themed end papers and double-sided book pages of Medieval illustrations depicting murder, poisoning and death. This miniature collection is unique and fun… perfect for mini murder scenes, dioramas, apothecaries and every dollhouse library! Available in Lady Miniac’s shop. 

For a free DIY video tutorial showing the step-by-step bookmaking process for this printable collection, please see my YouTube channel link https://youtu.be/HVRIFnJzmzk