Medieval Public Health

Question 1

Public health was very poor in the medieval period. However, what happened in the 1100s (eg. 1123)?

Answer 1

Hospitals were set up (eg. St. Bartholomew’s)

Question 2

What happened in 1345?

Answer 2

• fines were introduced to those throwing litter into the streets
• rakers were employed (to remove dirt and debris - however it was dumped into the river)

Question 3

What happened in 1388?

Answer 3

An act passed by English Parliament prohibited people from dumping excrement in ditches and rivers

Question 4

What was introduced by the 13th century?

Answer 4

• cesspits with stone lining - less likely for waste to seep into water supply
• houses built with foundations
• aristocracy began to build manors out of stone
• bath houses reintroduced

Question 5

Why were bath houses only just being used again in the 13th century?

Answer 5

They had fallen into disrepair when the Roman Empire left

Question 6

Why did monasteries have the best public health?

Answer 6

Because of their wealth

Question 7

List features that monasteries had to keep them clean

Answer 7

• water supplies from reservoirs
• separate privies and kitchens
• piping
• drainage systems
• running sewers
• latrines flushed regularly with water

Question 8

Wh were many improvements to public health limited during this period?

Answer 8

• the rich would not pay - did not see it as their duty

- it was believed that God decided if you were ill or not - public health was not priority