Lunchtime Talk: Treason, Heresy, Witchcraft - New Crimes under the Tudors

Hear how religion changes in Tudor times created new crimes and reshaped daily life, with effects that still echo in modern society. The reign of the Tudors, from Henry VI to Elizabeth I, lasted over 100 years and was a time of shifting religious and political loyalties. As society in England swung from Catholic to Protestant and back again, definitions of crime changed as well. Patrick Voss examines how treason and heresy were redefined and how new offences such as witchcraft and vagrancy entered the law. This talk explores how these rules affected daily life back then, and how their influence can still be felt today. About the speaker: Patrick Voss is an award-winning Blue Badge Guide in London. As well as tours for those keen to explore more of the city, he is passionate about bringing history to life and showing not just what happened in the past, but how this still resonates today. What to expect: • The talk will last approximately 45-50 minutes followed by Q&A. IMPORTANT: This talk will be taking place in-person only at The London Archives. About The London Archives: The London Archives is a free public archive focusing on the history of London, from 1067 to the present day. We preserve and share millions of historical manuscripts, maps, photographs, books which tell the story of the city. Everyone is welcome. You can find us in central London in Clerkenwell, close to Farringdon Station - details on our Getting to The London Archives webpage. Visit our exhibition: Before or after the talk you can visit our current exhibition Londoners On Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924, on display at The London Archives in Clerkenwell from 9 March 2026 to 25 February 2027. The exhibition is free to visit during normal opening hours, please check our website for details.