Medieval life

Introduction

We looked at the system of land ownership called the FEUDAL SYSTEM which the Normans introduced. This enabled them to divide up the land in England and control it. Barons were given huge areas of land to control on behalf of the King. This land was then sub divided to Knights (Lords). They would fight on behalf of the Barons if needed. They would have lots of Villeins on their land. These were poor peasants. They would be given land by the Lords but would have to provide both service and food as payment. Failure to do so could lead to eviction. They had small amounts of land to grow crops and vegetables on themselves. They relied on this for their own food and sometimes if a harvest was good they could sell surplus food for much needed money. However, crops were dependent on many things, notably the weather. Sometimes there was crop failures and this often led to famine

read this poem and try to work out what it suggests about medieval life in a village

a house in a medieval village

Today, the vast majority of the population in Britain and Ireland live in urban areas rather than rural. In the Middle Ages most people lived in rural country areas. There were only about 10 towns of over 10,000 people in 11th century England. However, with the Normans and especially with the effects of the Bubonic Plague, towns began to grow in size and importance. They formed around focal points such as castles or monasteries as they could service these population centres with trade. However, soon they developed in importance and wealth which attracted more and more people. This can be seen in the story of Dick Whittington where a man is enticed by the wealth of London where the streets are said to be 'paved with gold' only to find himself cold and hungry - yet going on to become a wealthy and important Lord Mayor.

Towns brought wealth and power. However, they also brought dangers. Crime, disease, dirt and poverty were rife. Houses were built very close together and this would lead to the spreading of disease - Black death - 1348 or the spreading of fire - The Great Fire of London, 1666.

See below for the key features of a medieval town

key features of a medieval town

from the sources:

The average life expectancy in the Middle ages is more than half what it is now! People could expect to live to just over 30 years old!

People had no idea about Germs and bacteria (They wouldn't until the 19th century!)
Hygiene was therefore very poor.
There was no warm showers or baths or clean clothes to wear. Lice was common. People may have washed in lakes and rivers but this was not possible in the Winter months.
Many children did not even have shoes to wear.
Medicine was risky. Sometimes cures would work - however, many cures made things worse or were even poisonous - like Mercury!
There was no anaesthetics - People used alcohol to try to numb the pain of surgery
There was no antiseptics - Many people would die of infection
Many women would die in childbirth due to complications or infection. Many babies would die too.
There were no vaccinations from illnesses like measles.
Hospitals didn't exist in the way we know them today. Those that did were often dirty and some even had patients in the same bed!
Many people believed that God was the cause and cure of disease and this led to some treatments based on religion and not science
People knew very little about the human body - Only what had been passed down from Roman times - some of which was wrong.

some crazier treatments!

As there were no police people would have to raise the alarm themselves if something happened. The villagers were all expected to 'Raise a Hue and Cry' if they witnessed a crime - This meant they would have to shout out for help. The villagers would all be expected to come and help. Failure to do so would lead to a fine being imposed by the Lord

The Lord would be the local justice and would make key decisions on guilt or innocence from their manor house. They would deal with crimes such as poaching of fish from local streams or game from forests. They could even impose fines for land not being ploughed straight!

GUILTY OR INNOCENT? TRIAL BY ORDEAL

There was no DNA, CCTV or CSI investigations in the Middle Ages, nor a police force to thoroughly investigate! Instead they put their faith in God and therefore in the TRIALS BY ORDEAL!!

These were a set of trials for people accused of a crime. It was believed that God would grant the wrongfully accused the strength or attributes to overcome an ordeal. It was also believed that God would REJECT those who were guilty.

There were a number of Ordeals that you can read about below. They may sound crazy! Of course - many of these were open to interpretation. For example if a person floated or not or if a wound was healed or not. In this way the villagers would play a part - interpreting the result, according to how much they all felt the person was guilty or not!

1) ordeal by water

2) ordeal by fire

3) ordeal by combat

DID YOU KNOW: Ordeal by Combat remained in English law until 1819!!!
Someone even tried (unsuccessfully) to have a trial by combat over a motoring fine in 2002!!

what punishments were there?

Punishments in Medieval times were notoriously harsh!!

Sometimes the accussed may have their hands - or other bits of them cut off!
Sometimes they were dragged through the town as an example
A PILLORY was used for minor crimes. Their head and hands were confined and often the villagers would throw rotten vegetables at them. Sometimes they would nail their ear to the Pillory
STOCKS were used where a prisoners feet were clamped in lace for a period of time. Stocks were often at the centre of a village as a warning to others
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - Many crimes were regarded as Capital crimes in which they were to be executed. This was usually by public hanging. This was a popular form of entertainment and many people sold food and trinkets at these occasions.
TREASON - Those who committed the act of treason were HUNG, DRAWN AND QUARTERED - That is hanged until they were nearly dead ; then cut open while still alive and their organs burned in front of their face. Their body was then cut in four and various parts sent to parts of the kingdom to be displayed. Heads were often displayed for months on spikes near London Bridge - this was clearly a warning to others.

PILLORY

STOCKS

Titus Oates in the Pillory

Pillory was a very public way of punishment

Public hangings were very popular

Treason meant you were gruesomely hung drawn and quartered

jury system

While these tyes of punishments lasted until relatively recently, the JURY SYSTEM was introduced 800 years ago as a fairer way of deciding about a persons guilt. This is a selection of citizens who listen carefully to a trial and make their decisions collectively at the end of the evidence about a persons guilt or innocence. Today, the Police collect the evidence professionally and a set of lawyers both prosecute and defend the accused. A judge can sentence when convicted but must base their decision on Law.