The social order in Elizabethan England held great importance where "every person...in the universe had a designated place and purpose. God was the ultimate authority; under him ruled the monarch, followed by ...church and government officials," (Harrison).  There had been religious tensions for decades since Henry VIII ended his relationship with the Roman Catholic Church and declared himself the ultimate religious authority. A new Protestant church emerged, but many Catholics refused to accept the new church and recognize Henry VIII as the head of the England church.  These Catholics were tortured and executed for treason. 

 

assorted amount instruments designed to inflict intense pain."

Just being accused of one of the serious crimes could well result in torture. A Defendant's chances in receiving any acquittal in court were extremely slim. Trials were designed in the favor of the prosecutors and defendants accused any of the above crimes were not even allowed legal counsel. One technique included "The greatest and most grievous punishment used in England for such as offend against the State is drawing from the prison to the place of execution upon an hurdle or sled, where they are hanged till they be half dead, and then taken down, and quartered alive; after that, their members and bowels are cut from their bodies, and thrown into a fire, provided near hand and within their own sight, even for the same purpose."