Black Assize of Oxford 1577

Black Assize of Oxford 1577

The Black Assize of Oxford 1577 refers to a series of mysterious deaths that occurred in Oxford, England, during the summer assizes (court sessions) of 1577. This event is notable for the sudden and unexplained deaths of several individuals, including judges, jurors, and townspeople, following the trial of a group of prisoners.

Background

The assizes were periodic criminal courts held in England and Wales, where judges from the central courts in London would travel to the counties to hear cases. In July 1577, the assizes were held in Oxford, and a number of prisoners were brought to trial.

The Event

During the proceedings, a strange illness began to spread among those present in the courtroom. Within days, several people, including the presiding judge, Sir Robert Bell, and other officials, fell ill and died. The symptoms were described as sudden and severe, leading to a swift demise.

Possible Causes

The exact cause of the deaths remains unknown, but several theories have been proposed:

• Infectious disease: Some historians suggest that an infectious disease, possibly a form of plague or typhus, was responsible for the deaths. The crowded and unsanitary conditions of the courtroom could have facilitated the spread of such an illness.

• Poisoning: Another theory is that the deaths were caused by deliberate poisoning, although there is little evidence to support this claim.

• Miasma theory: At the time, the miasma theory, which posited that diseases were spread by "bad air," was a common explanation for outbreaks of illness.

Impact

The Black Assize of Oxford had a significant impact on the local community and the legal system. The sudden loss of so many officials disrupted the administration of justice, and the event was remembered as a mysterious and tragic occurrence.

Legacy

The Black Assize of Oxford 1577 remains a topic of interest for historians and epidemiologists, as it provides insight into the challenges of public health and the administration of justice in the 16th century.

Also see

• Assizes
• Epidemics in history
• Miasma theory
• Plague