Cambridge Mapping Project Solves a Medieval Murder

The Medieval Murder Maps project, initiated by criminologist Manuel Eisner, uses coroner's rolls to map homicides in medieval London, York, and Oxford. The project catalogs details such as weapon choice, location, and year, allowing users to explore individual cases like a 14th-century Clue game. A recent paper highlights the murder of priest John Forde, commissioned by noblewoman Ela Fitzpayne, showcasing a planned and cold-blooded act. The coroner's rolls, written in Latin, detail the circumstances of suspicious deaths as investigated by local juries. Analysis of York and London homicides reveals that murders frequently occurred in public places on weekends, involving knives and swords. Oxford displayed a higher violence rate, indicating social disorganization and impunity. London's homicide clusters reflected varied economic and social functions within the city. The maps reveal homicides in all three cities sometimes occurred in spaces of high visibility and symbolic importance. This research provides valuable historical context and social commentary on medieval crime.