A TALK about some of the biggest criminals in English history will be given at Otley Courthouse next weekend.

Chris Murphy from the Towton Battlefield Society will present Medieval Mafia: Organised Crime in the Middle Ages on Saturday, February 25.

The event will cover several centuries running from the time of Robin Hood in the late 12th Century through to Richard III in the 15th Century.

Mr Murphy describes the talk as an examination of "top-level criminality in England, its corrupting influences and the response of the authorities to the threat.

"It's a story of extortion, frauds, heists and piracy which ultimately reaches into the very heart of the body politic."

The discussion will explore how, just like today, gangsters simultaneously frightened and fascinated Medieval society.

Ending with the War of the Roses, the story also examines how, in an age of constant violence and turmoil, the line between government and criminality was often blurred.

The event marks a return to the Courthouse for Mr Murphy, whose last appearance at the venue - in December, 2015 - was to give an in-depth talk on the Battle of Towton.

A Courthouse spokesman said: "This promises to be another fascinating evening where the audience gets further insight into Chris’ wealth of historical knowledge."

Medieval Mafia: Organised Crime in the Middle Ages begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8 or £6 in advance, or £9 or £7 on the door.

Places can be booked by visiting otleycourthouse.org.uk, calling the box office on (01943) 467466 or popping into the Courthouse.