Medieval London

Tiahna GillonPeriod 2

Norman Invasion

In 1066 William, the Duke of Normandy, invaded Britain,

ushering in a new era in English history. The city of London was surrendered by a delegation of

representatives, who also recognized him as king. He

granted London a charter that upheld previous Saxon rights, laws and privileges. Under the commission of William, several royal ports were constructed

along the river front of London to defend against Viking attacks

and for the prevention of rebellions. William, Duke of

Normandy

Daily life Traders, peasants, beggars, thieves, herders and livestock all

jostled through the busy city streets. Women worked in many different trades.

People cared about hygiene. Toilet waste usually went into cesspits – the solid residue was taken away by night-soil men to be used as manure. Rubbish was collected by ‘rakyers’ (rakers) and

taken to ‘lay stalls’ outside the city. In the 13th century, city authorities built pipes to bring in fresh water.

Most schools were run by the church. In the 12th century, three grammar schools were attached to London churches, with more

schools attached to parish churches. Most children received some education, whether from their parents, in school or with their

masters if they were apprentices.

Religion

Religious belief was central to the lives – and deaths – of

medieval Londoners. It was fully integrated into the social and political order, providing

the population with an understanding of their place in the world and inspiring artists,

architects and craftspeople. Belief motivated progressive acts such as early forms of

social provision and medical care, but was also used to

justify wars of conquest and the brutal repression of

diversity.

organization

French merchants brought the idea that towns should manage themselves independently from the king. Londoners gained some independence and around 1189 they chose their first mayor, although the wealthiest men still controlled the city as aldermen. When the Common Council was set up in the 14th century, most people couldn’t vote for it as all women

and most men had no vote. Only ‘freemen’ could vote – usually those who had served an apprenticeship of at least

seen years in a recognized business or craft.London’s guilds controlled apprenticeships and therefore entry

to the ‘freedom of the city. Each trade and craft had a guild – whose rules encouraged and protected their craft – and a special feast day. As they grew in wealth and power, the

guilds acquired royal charters and coats of arms.

Developments/Technology

In 1097 the son of William the Conqueror began the construction of Westminster Hall, which served as the basis of the Palace of Westminster (the prime royal residence).

The construction of the reincarnated London Bridge began in 1176, built on the site of several earlier wooden bridges.

Peter Morice constructed water wheels and pumps that supplied culinary water to the city. However, this was

surpassed by Sir High Myddelton’s construction of a canal that would carry water to London from the Herfordshire

springs of Chadwell and Amwell. Medieval London also incorporated a wastewater systems,

13 public latrines constructed over streams and rivers.

Fire and Plague

Medieval London was made up of narrow and twisting streets, and most of the buildings were made from

combustible materials such as wood and straw, which made fire a constant threat. Sanitation was also very poor throughout the city. London lost at

least half of it’s population during the Black Death I the mid-14th century. Between 1348 and the Great

Plague of 1666 there were sixteen outbreaks of plague that threatened the city.

Trade and Commerce

Trade and commerce grew steadily during the Middle Ages, and London grew rapidly as a result. London served as England’s most important port

city during the 14th century due to its: 1) geographical location, 2) large population and 3) skill and wealth of the merchants and traders.

Trade was organized into various guilds, which effectively controlled the city, and elected the

Lord Mayor of London.

War and Revolt

The First Baron’s War, during the year of 1216, was the last time that

London was truly occupied by a

continental armed force. Louis VIII was celebrated

as the new ruler throughout the city.

During the Peasants’ Revolt of 1382 led by

Wat Tyler, London was invaded again. A group

of peasants stormed the tower of London and executed Lord

Chancellor, Archbishop Simon Sudbury, and

the Lord Treasurer. The peasants looted the city and set fire to

numerous buildings. Tyler was stabbed to death by Lord Mayor William Walworth in a

confrontation at Smithfield, thus ending

the revolt.

During the War of Roses there was strong support in

London for the Yorkist cause. the Lancastrian Henry VI was forced to

leave London in 1456 due to hostile attitudes in the

capital. He was later captured and kept for five

years in the Tower of London. London was

eventually captured by the Yorkist Edward IV in 1471, and Henry executed. This

established the Yorkist claim on the throne and

ended the first phase of the Wars of the Roses.

Art and Architecture

Art of that time was made to educate and to celebrate God. But it also demonstrated wealth and power – and kept the poor in

their place.

Most art and architecture was created

to teach people how important religion was.

Magnificent churches and cathedrals were built. Beautiful paintings,

tapestries, stained glass windows and jewelry were

produced.Each book had to be hand made. Skilled writers called scriveners copied each of then out. Painters added

illustrations to some books. Often the letter in a chapter

was drawn very large and was decorated with complex

patterns and gold or silver. These were called

‘illuminations’ because they reflected the light.

Cathedrals and churches were designed to amaze and hearten people as symbols of Christianity.

Castles were the strongholds of rulers, built for defense in the time of war. They demonstrated the power of the King or Lord and overawed the

people.

Works cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_and_Medieval_London

http://www.waterhistory.org/histories/london/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_London

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/religion-in-medieval-london-bruno-barber/111085343

http://www.museumoflondon.org/uk/Explore_online/Pocket-histories/viking/viking_4.htm

http://www.google.com/search