The Bystander and the Balgstaff

Medieval Murders is the podcast that delves into the world of violent crimes in Medieval England. In each episode, we tell the story of a single murder case that happened over six hundred years ago. In this one, we explore how the slinging of insults can lead to murder. And, as a warning, this episode by its very nature has strong language. If you have any questions about the episode, drop us an email at [email protected]   You can see the site of many other historical murders like this by going to the Medieval Murder Map website  Medieval Murders is a podcast from the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. This episode is hosted by Nora Eisner and Professor Manuel Eisner. The producer is Steve Hankey and the historical segments are voiced and sound designed by Charlie Inman. The Music is Cantiga 166  by  Vox Vulgaris.

Medieval Murders is the podcast that delves into the world of violent crimes in Medieval England. In each episode, we tell the story of a single murder case that happened over six hundred years ago. In this one, we solve an exceptional murder case that went cold 680 years ago. It was a cold-blooded mafia-style assassination of John Ford, a man of god – it involved a gang of hitmen who cunningly used another priest to approach the victim in plain daylight – it sheds light on sin and sex, moral zeal, and double standards — it is likely shrouded in corruption and class justice — and, remarkably, the protagonist and mastermind is Ela FitzPayne —  an extraordinary lady of the highest ranks in English nobility…. Unless, that is, she was framed in a dark political game between those supporting the new king Edward III and those loyal to his dead father, Edward II. If you have any questions about the episode, drop us an email at [email protected]  You can see the site of many other historical murders like this by downloading the Medieval Murder Map app. Medieval Murders is a podcast from the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. This episode is hosted by Nora Eisner and Professor Manuel Eisner. The producer is Steve Hankey and the historical segments are voiced and sound designed by Charlie Inman. The Music is Cantiga 166  by  Vox Vulgaris.

Welcome to Medieval Murders, the podcast that delves into the world of violent crimes in Medieval England. In each episode, we tell the story of a single murder case that happened over six hundred years ago. In this episode, we explore the case of Copin King. Together with a companion he accosted a street vendor for his costard apples on a cold February night in 1301. Thomas Brewer, who happens to there, intervenes in defence of the street vendor — an argument escalates and Thomas Brewer eventually kills Copin with his long fighting staff known as Balgstaff. But why do humans – today as well as in the Middle Ages – intervene to help complete strangers? What moral obligation do they feel? And how do they decide whether to intervene or walk on? If you have any questions about the episode, drop us an email at [email protected]  You can see the site of many other historical murders like this by downloading the Medieval Murder Map app. Medieval Murders is a podcast from the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. This episode is hosted by Nora Eisner and Professor Manuel Eisner. The producer is Steve Hankey and the historical segments are voiced and sound designed by Charlie Inman. The Music is Cantiga 166  by  Vox Vulgaris.

Welcome to Medieval Murders, the podcast that delves into the world of violent crimes in fourteenth century London.  In each episode, we tell the story of a single murder case written on a small piece of parchment by the clerk of the coroner of London over six hundred years ago.  We’ll explore cold cases, examine how people in this time and place tried to keep the peace and show that what looks so foreign at first sight; is more similar to how we act today than one might think... Medieval Murders is hosted by me Nora Eisner and Manuel Eisner, Wolfson Professor of Criminology at the University of Cambridge and creator of the London Medieval Murder Map. It’s produced by Steve Hankey and the historical segments are voiced and sound designed by Charlie Inman. The Music is Cantiga 166  by  Vox Vulgaris.