Life in Medieval Towns

Introduction

At the start of the Middle Ages, most people lived on Manors in the countryside.

By 12th century, towns were growing up around castles, monasteries, and along trade routes.

Most medieval towns were surrounded by: Thick stone walls Visitors had to enter through gates

What stands out in this picture?

Living Conditions

Streets were unpaved and crowded with people, horses and other animals.

During medieval times, towns did not have garbage collection, so residents threw their garbage in nearby canals and ditches.

Some people even threw the garbage out the window.

Unpleasant smells as you can imagine.

Growth in the High Middle Ages

By the High Middle Ages, towns were again growing.

Trading Centers with the East Venice (Glass blowing)

Genoa (Banking) Towns in Belgium and Netherlands-Flanders (Fine woolen cloth) London, Paris, and Florence grew at this time as wellTrade and growth of Medieval Towns went hand in hand

Charters and Guilds

Royal Charter

-Allowed people to govern themselves, make laws and raise taxes.-Shift in power from feudal lords to merchants and craftspeople.-Mayor and Town Council

Guilds -Both trade and production were overseen by organizations called Guilds. -Merchant and Craftsmen guilds

Why do you think Guilds were so important? Why were they created?

Reasons for Guilds

1) Provided help and protection2) Set Fair Prices3) Controlled hours of work4) Maintained high standards (quality of work)

-Members paid dues -Age of 7, starting as an apprentice and after many years had to prove they were ready. -Set up a business or Journeymen

What is a Labor Union?

A union is a democratic organization of employees in a workplace who choose to join together to achieve common goals. By forming unions, employees can work collectively to improve working conditions, including wages and benefits, hours and job safety, to resolve disagreements of employees and employers and to find the best ways to get the work done. Unions also represent members and all people who work by advocating working family-friendly laws and policies through legislative and political action.

Ex: Steel workers, Teamsters, Teachers Union, State Employees, PBA with affiliation….

Do you think Unions are a good or bad idea and why?

Prejudice in the Middle Ages

Christian Europe often excluded and mistreated people of Jewish faith.

-took land at times-laws that made it harder for Jews to earn a living-targets of violence-opportunities opened up as bankers

Homes and Households

Medieval towns were typically small and crowded

Most houses made of woodHouses leaned to a point where some were

touching from across the streetMost boys grew up doing the same work as

their father.Most girls married young and learned the

skills necessary to run a home and take care of a family

Disease and Medical Treatment

-Towns did not have running water-No toilets (people used chamber pots and outside shelters)-Illness caused by dirty/unhealthy living conditions *Leprosy-skin and nerve disease spread from one person to the next *Bubonic plague- contagious as well, caused by bacteria and spread by fleas and ratsHospitals invented during the Middle ages, but very few and ineffective.

“Bleed” patients

Most medical treatment involved praying and herbal treatment.

“Bleed” patients by opening a vein or applying leeches to the skin to suck out the blood

(irony- this made people weaker from the loss of blood, but they didn’t realize this)Medieval doctors believed that “bloodletting” helped restore the balance between body and spirit.

Crime and Punishment

Towns were especially dangerous No StreetlightsNight watchman patrolled with candle

lanternsTrial by Ordeal Trial by CombatHarsh punishments Prisoners were not given food

High and Late Middle Ages in Towns

Most people lived in manors in the Early Middle Ages, but as time moved on towns experienced a huge population growth.

As trade grew, towns followed.Guilds became popular in regulating

industries and protecting workers.Towns were noisy, dirty, and disease ridden.