I have a question which has arisen during the course of my research, in
answer to which I would appreciate any information, leads or opinions.
Is anybody aware of any legal documents which prescribe, or even historical
records which describe castration as a suitable punishment for sexual
crimes or indiscretions - especially on the part of the secular clergy? My
particular interest would be regarding anything which could have influenced
popular opinions in 12th/13th-century Northern France; I have numerous
literary descriptions of the fact, and am wondering whether there is
something more than just a sense of poetic justice which has inspired the
authors.
With thanks in advance for your attention,
DARON
Daron Burrows, Trinity College, Oxford.
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