Public Health in Medieval Towns Flashcards
Why had the organisation of Ancient Rome vanished?
Regions fragmented and this contributed to worse public health standards
What was the Great Conduit built for?
To bring drinking water into London
What did wardens protect and repair on the Great Conduit?
Pipes to keep the supply clean
What did London try to keep clean and improve?
Streets
Sewage problems
What did population growth cause?
Unsanitary conditions particularly due to urbanisation
What were houses made from?
Wood
What spread quickly due to disease?
Disease
What did people gave a lack of knowledge about?
Germs and their link to disease and infection
Why was there a lack of clean water?
Rivers used for sewage and drinking water
What were cesspits used for?
People to throw their liquid waste and sewage into
What were cesspits built next to?
Wells
Why were cesspits left to overflow into roads and rivers?
Expensive to empty
What did leather tanning use?
Dangerous, smelly chemicals
What did meat butchers dump into the street or rivers?
Blood and guts
Why did industries like tanning take place near residential areas?
Houses were also used for business by butchers and barbers
