"Everyone loves a good medieval whodunit, but how did real people investigate homicides in the Middle Ages? What did they look for? And how did they decide if a person's death was an unfortunate accident or foul play? This week, Danièle speaks with Sara Butler about forensic medicine, and how death investigation was conducted in medieval England. Sara Butler is a Professor at The Ohio State University, where her research focuses on social and legal history in the Middle Ages. This conversation is based on her book Forensic Medicine and Death Investigation in Medieval England."
"The creator and host of The Medieval Podcast is Danièle Cybulskie. Click here to visit her website or follow her on BlueSky @5minmedievalist.bsky.social You can subscribe to The Medieval Podcast via"
Medieval investigators in England examined bodies and surrounding circumstances to determine causes of unexpected deaths. Investigative attention focused on wounds, physical signs, timing, and contextual clues to distinguish accident from intentional harm. Practical observation and contemporary medical knowledge informed judgments about cause and manner of death. Legal and social frameworks shaped how evidence was evaluated and how responsibility was assigned. Community testimony and local authorities played roles in collecting and interpreting evidence during investigations. Techniques were rudimentary compared to modern standards but aimed to establish credible narratives for legal adjudication.
Read at Medievalists.net
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