Greed or desperation, evil intent or accident, planned or opportunistic? Motivation for crime was often complex and obscure, but its effects could significantly impact on the lives of men and women of all levels in society. This book aims to explore the crimes and offences committed in one market town and how the community sought to deal with the whole question of law and order. There was always recourse to external authorities, especially the Quarter Sessions and Justices of the Peace who could impose harsh punishments. More often than not it was the community itself which took the necessary action through the Church and Manorial Courts, prying into every aspect of people's lives but demonstrating clearly the priorities of the majority of the inhabitants. The town's own officers of the law, the Constable and the tythingmen could provide a swift response. Direct action, official or otherwise, was available with whippings, the stocks, the pillory and skimmington riding. What remains remarkable is not only how well the peace was kept but also how much may be recognised today.