Powerful Gangs and Criminals in the Middle Ages

When they think of criminals in the Middle Ages, most people jump to Robin Hood. Who were the real outlaws of the Middle Ages? Stick around to find out.

Criminals in the Middle Ages could be poor people poaching to survive or wealthy, noble gang leaders. In fact, Robin Hood likely had some factual basis; his story would have come through some of the most notorious gangs and criminals in the Middle Ages. However, unlike him, many medieval outlaws were ruthless, harsh, and out for gain. No stealing from the rich to give to the poor for them! Being an outlaw was hard but, for some people, rewarding.

What did being an outlaw mean? Who were some of the ruthless gangs and criminals in the Middle Ages?

What did Being an Outlaw Mean?

What did being an outlaw mean? It meant someone was outside the law. It held no protection for them anymore. Boys had to be 14 to become outlaws. Women did not generally get outlawed but were “waived”. However, it was the same thing in the end; the law didn’t protect them. There were a few ways to gain a pardon. The first was to tell people there had been a mistake.

However, a claim such as that would have to be verified, and there was no promise that the jury or judge would agree. The other way was to beg for pardon. You could earn it by going to war or paying a fine. However, no one had to accept your request. Outlawry was so bad because people could do terrible things without repercussions. The law held no claim on them since you were outside of it. They could very easily steal from you. In fact, people could even harm or kill you. There was no protection.

Criminals in the Middle Ages: The Folville Gang

One of the most notorious gangs in the Middle Ages was the Folville Gang. Six brothers started it. When their father died, their elder brother, John Folville, the first of seven, inherited everything. That left the six younger siblings to pave their future. Instead of following the trend of either becoming soldiers or church officials, they became outlaws. The original leader of the gang was Eustace Folville.

Feeding a Medieval Outlaw by Tasting History

One of their first and most well-known crimes was the murder of Sir Rodger Beler, who had been threatening them. They fled the country before anyone had time to arrest them. When they wanted to return to England, they came as part of a rebel army fighting King Edward the second. They won and got back to work as outlaws. Eustace eventually tired of the life of a criminal in the Middle Ages and shortly after joined the royal army. He received a full pardon after a few years as a soldier. He even became a knight!

Richard ran the gang after his brother left. Funnily enough, Richard was a part of the church. He used its protection on himself and his brothers several times. Despite being a priest, Richard was violent and dangerous. The Folville Gang kidnaped many people and ransomed them back for ridiculous amounts of money. They would roam the forest and countryside looking for people to harm and ransom.

Finally, justice caught up to Richard. He was in his church building when an enemy caught him. The men responsible dragged him outside to behead him. Later, people decided his murder was illegal, and the perpetrators had to do penance.

Reputation and Allies

Interestingly, the Folville Gang had a romantic, story-like reputation because they brought the bad nobility low. However, they did not try to get that reputation though. They did things for their own profit, that fit their agenda, and when it made people like them, that was just a bonus. The people wouldn’t go after them as much. However, they would attack anyone. Rich or poor, it didn’t matter to the Folville Gang.

They had some curious allies. One was Sir Robert de Vere, the constable (basically the police officer) of Rockingham Castle. He let them stay in his castle and protected them. No one could come in at night, or they would find out that Sir Robert was housing them. They also made alliances with other gangs, such as the Coterel Gang, operating in a similar place and time.

Criminals in the Middle Ages: The Coterel Gang

Another notorious medieval gang was the Coterel Gang, led by James Coterel. Their gang had tons of protection and collected rent from their extensive lands while they played criminal. This gang didn’t band up because they desperately needed money; the Coterel men were extremely wealthy.

One of their first jobs was for an ex-priest because he didn’t like his replacement. They went on to murder, plunder, and ransom many people. However, they also didn’t have a hard time recruiting men.
There were plenty of members of the church in their gang, which comprised approximately 200 people. Like the Folvilles, they didn’t care whom they attacked. After nearly 20 years, the Coterel brothers and their gang faded away.

IInfantrymen at the Battle of Aljubarrota, demonstrating a medieval army.

The brothers joined the king’s army and enjoyed full pardons with many of their men. After they received their pardons, the men took up proper jobs. Ironically, James Coterel (the leader) went into law enforcement. Who trusted him with that job? He never betrayed the trust, but still. I think it was a bad idea!

Reputation and Allies

Like the Folville Gang, people fantasized about the Coterel Gang. Many people loved that they fought corrupt leaders and became a possible basis for the Robin Hood legends. They also had some intriguing allies. Of course, they had an allegiance with other criminal gangs like the Folville Gang, but that wasn’t it. One of their prominent allies was the Sherif of Nottingham.

In the Robbin Hood stories, the sheriff of Nottingham doesn’t like outlaws, but this real medieval sheriff didn’t have a problem with the lot. Another was the Lord of Mappleton, who set out to apprehend them first. Money and safety must mean a lot, especially in criminal gangs from the Middle Ages! The Coterels had many allies, and their band had approximately 200 people.

Criminals in the Middle Ages: Adam the Leper

Another infamous criminal in the Middle Ages is Adam the Leper. We don’t know anything about his early life; we only know about his criminal life. He was a specialized urban thief. One of his favorite ways to attack was to wait for a fair.

Then he would sneak into empty homes, steal everything, and set the house on fire. The people would worry about their home rather than catching him. He also held people for ransom. However, his prisoners were extraordinarily unlucky. He killed people if no one paid the ransom. Even if someone paid for their release, people were lucky if they walked away unscathed. He would hurt and maim them terribly.

One of his best known exploits was stealing jewels belonging to Philippa of Hainault, the queen. One of her friends was holding onto them. The friend refused to give up the gems, so the outlaws burned his house and got them anyway. However, this time they were pursued and caught. The authorities planned on making him pay for his crimes, but his men stayed outside the courtroom and attacked anyone who came out. Unfortunately, the government had to free Adam the Leper, and he continued his life in peace.

Criminals in the Middle Ages could get away with a lot. Which gang was most interesting to you? Which gang seems like a good Robin Hood basis? Let me know in the comments! Also, let me know if you have any questions.