Medieval Crime & Punishment show

Our interactive crime and punishment show invites visitors to become the accused, the judge, the jury, and even the executioner of justice.  

Hear tales of genuine medieval offences alongside some of the stranger crimes recorded through history.

Was selling stale bread a punishable offence? What happened to thieves, dishonest traders, or troublemakers?  

Audience volunteers can stand trial for a variety of historical and light-hearted "crimes," before receiving their sentence from our medieval judge.

Punishments may include time in the pillory, public humiliation, or receiving the mark of a criminal.  

Visitors can also experience our safe demonstration branding activity, where a washable, child-friendly ink stamp is used to recreate the appearance of a historical criminal's mark.

Participants can choose a letter or symbol and receive their "brand" without any heat, pain, or risk.

Throughout the show, we explore the realities of medieval law, the role of public punishment, and how justice has changed over the centuries—all delivered with humour, audience participation, and plenty of opportunities to get involved.