Medieval Town Flashcards
Where did many medieval towns grow up?
Around big castles and rivers.
Describe a town?
The town would be surrounded by huge high walls. You could only enter the town through one of the large gates.
What did people who wanted to sell their goods in the town have to pay?
A toll
When were the gates open?
The gates were closed at sunset and did not open again till dawn.
What did every town have? What was it made of?
A parish church towering above all other buildings. It was made of stone.
What was the majority of buildings in a medieval town made of?
Wood
Where were the Rich merchants houses? Describe them?
On the high street. They had three stores each with each stores leaning out over the one below. Some streets were so narrow that two people could shake hands with each other out the window of the third storey.
What did some family’s keep?
Some family’s grew vegetables and kept pigs, hens or even a cow.
Where did craftspeople live? What happened when you went away from the center of the town?
Above their shops. The people will get poorer and the houses smaller.
What buildings could be made of stone?
The church and important buildings such as the town hall as well as defenses such as walls or gates.
What was the highlight of the year? Where was it held?
The fair green. Outside the town’s walls.
Who travelled with the fair?
Craftspeople selling exotic goods as well as entertainers who entertained crowds by doing acrobatics and juggling.
What was the Curfew?
The church bells rang out at sunset signaling the curfew. This meant all fires in the town had to be put out.
What did medieval towns use as a sewage system?
An open drain in the middle of the street. People through everything into it including the contents of their chamber pots.
Why was disease so common in medieval towns? What was a common disease?
The towns were so dirty and the people seldom washed and all had flees. Leprosy
