Bygone Punishments

"Bygone Punishments" by William Andrews is a historical exploration of past penal practices in England. It highlights antiquated techniques and their social and cultural contexts. Focusing on the punishment of hanging, the book reveals just how common it was as a form of capital punishment. Andrews describes how mercilessly people were punished in the Middle Ages and during the reigns of kings like Edward I and Henry VIII, showing that even small offenses could have severe penalties. The narrative provides a look at how views on crime and punishment have developed over time thanks to intriguing tales and legal examples.