Illness was thought to be caused by demons. People hung charms around their neck for cure and treatments of magic and herbs were given. For instance, the remedy for "mental vacancy and folly" was a drink of "fennel, agrimony, cockle, and marche". Leeches were used for healing wounds, such as those from snake bites.
The Law
Every free man who did not hold land had to find a lord to answer for him. The act of homage was symbolized by placing his hands within those of his lord. Every lord shall be personally responsible as surety for the men of his household.
Every free man who held land had to be in a local tithing, usually about ten men, in which they served as personal sureties for each other's peaceful behavior [frankpledge]. If one of them were accused of an offense, the others had to produce him in court or pay for the offense, unless they could prove that they had no complicity in it.
"And every man shall see that he has a surety, and this surety shall bring and keep him to [the performance of] every lawful duty.
1. And if anyone does wrong and escapes, his surety shall incur what the other should have incurred.
2. If the case be that of a thief and his surety can lay hold of him within 12 months, he shall deliver him up to justice, and what he has paid shall be returned to him."
Only a priest could declare a marriage. The groom had to bring friends to his wedding as sureties to guarantee his oath to maintain and support his wife and children. Those who swore to take care of the children were called their "godfathers".
"No woman or maiden shall be forced to marry a man she dislikes or given for money."
"Violence to a widow or maiden is punishable by payment of one's wergeld."