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Medieval Crime: Trial by Ordeal

History
GCSE / Grade 9-1
7 questions
~14 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the concept of trial by ordeal in medieval times, focusing on key vocabulary and understanding of the historical concept.

Topics covered:

#History
#History
#Medieval Crime
#Standard
#Vocabulary & Concepts
#Trial by Ordeal
#Define key terms related to trial by ordeal
#Explain the purpose and process of trial by ordeal
#Compare different types of ordeals used in medieval justice
#Analyse the effectiveness of trial by ordeal as a justice method

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Medieval Crime: Trial by Ordeal

Subject: HistoryGrade: GCSE / Grade 9-1
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE / Grade 9-1
A

Vocabulary and Concepts

Trial by Ordeal: A medieval method of determining guilt or innocence based on physical tests believed to be guided by divine intervention.

Ordeal: A painful or dangerous test believed to be a divine punishment or judgment.

Divine Intervention: The belief that God directly influences the outcome of the ordeal, proving innocence or guilt.

Types of Ordeal: Including the Ordeal by Fire, Ordeal by Water, and Ordeal by Combat.

'Trial by ordeal was used because it was believed that divine power would protect the innocent and punish the guilty.' Provenance: Medieval legal manual, 14th century.

1.
Define 'trial by ordeal' and explain its purpose in medieval justice.
[3 marks]
2.
Outline three different types of ordeal used during medieval times.
[3 marks]
3.
Compare the Ordeal by Water and the Ordeal by Fire in terms of process and belief.
[5 marks]
4.
Explain why trial by ordeal was considered an effective method of justice in medieval times.
[4 marks]
5.
Analyse the limitations and criticisms of trial by ordeal as a method of justice.
[6 marks]
6.
Compare the use of trial by ordeal in medieval England with its use in another medieval European country.
[6 marks]
7.
Write a brief summary of why trial by ordeal eventually declined as a method of justice.
[3 marks]

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Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet
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