An interactive map developed by the University of Cambridge analyses coroners' reports from AD 1300 and 1340 to establish where, when and how most murders occurred.
Wikimedia CommonsStreets around Leadenhall Market, which was one of the most dangerous places for murder in medieval London.
The murders mapped on the map show how violence was “embedded in the rhythms of urban medieval life,” Eisner said. “The events mentioned in the coroner’s reports show that weapons were readily available, men’s honor had to be protected, and conflicts easily got out of hand.”
An example of one such escalating event occurred at the urinal. The coroner's report states that a man named William Rowe urinated on the shoe of an unknown young man, who then became so indignant that William struck him. This naturally led to a fight, and Philip of Ashendon came to the young man's aid. William responded by striking Philip in the head with a nearby axe.
Eisner was able to identify some patterns regarding the locations and methods of most murders during this period. He calculated that 68 percent of these murders took place in London's most crowded streets and markets – in the open air.
Sourse: www.allthatsinteresting.com
