In Hertfordshire in 1597, Eleanor Swyft was accused of poisoning her former husband with ratsbane in his curds, next his son with ratsbane in his pottage, and finally another man with ratsbane in a posset. Her cooking must have been good as she was found not guilty.

Presided over by the manor house steward, the court leet was attended by a clerk, defendants, witnesses and a jury of 12 citizens (free men). The steward called the court to order, instructed the jury and questioned witnesses and defendants.

If you committed a crime in Tudor Stuart England, where would your case be heard? At this time, England had many levels to their court system. We’ll briefly look at those here.