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
Example of a town that used new sewage technology made with pipes of wood and lead?
Exeter
What did people leave in wills to build public privies?
Money
What did town council pass laws to encourage?
People to keep the street in front of their houses clean and tidy
What did councils and craft guilds try to encourage tradesmen to do?
Keep certain areas tidy
What did the Mayor of Coventry order in 1421?
All men to clean the outside of their houses or pay a 12 penny fine
When did Coventry waste collection start?
1420
Who was collected waste in Coventry sold to?
Nearby farmers
By what year did designated waste disposal areas begin to appear outside Coventry?
1427
Example of where waste disposal sites appeared outside Coventry
Dunghill at Greyfriar Gate
Between 1421 and 1475, how many laws were passed to ban waste disposal in the River Sherborne?
9
In 1421, all the toilets over what Coventry stream were removed?
Red Ditch
