The innocent clerk -- The death of Roger de Metham -- A trail of blood -- The murders of adam de Osegodby -- John Wick goes medieval -- The death of William Baman -- Foul tredekeiles -- The death of Walter de Elmeleye -- The penetrated fundament -- The death of Henry Constantin -- Death by piss -- The death of Philip de Asshendone -- The sow was arrested -- The death of Agnes Perone -- A pit full of shit -- The death of John Funke -- Drunk beyond measure -- The death of Margery Golde -- Loitering with thirteen companions -- The death of Reginald de Freestone -- A four-and-a-half-food sword -- The death of William Castle

"Unfortunate Ends: On Murder and Misadventure in Medieval England, an illuminating collection of in-depth looks at the most interesting cases from medieval coroners' rolls. Thomas, son of Henry Robekyn, died 1286 after cutting off his left foot and then his left hand in a frenzy. Henry Debordesle, died 1343. Long sick with diseases, smote himself in the belly with a knife worth one penny. On 11 August 1267, Henry Constentin is driving a horse-drawn cart of wheat through the field of Tweedscroft. His feet slip and he falls upon 'a certain pole' of his cart 'so that it penetrate[s] into his fundament'. From the bizarre to the mundane, each death tells a tale from a dangerous time to be alive, and even to die. Coroners' rolls list every inquest held for a death by misadventure - or accident - as well as grisly murders, some witnessed by others, some only coming to light when the hidden body was found. A handful of these deaths rise to the top, their tales too bizarre, ridiculous or heartbreaking to not be spun again for the modern ear. Through death, Unfortunate Ends gives us a rare, first-hand look into everyday life for common people of the English Middle Ages"--Publisher's description