Daily Life in England

in the 1300’sBy Meaghan Pashen

and Jenny Finelli

Daily LifeTo most living in 14th century England, a

village was their home. Those people barely ventured beyond the borders of their town. All village inhabitants had busy schedules and many of them were farmers. Food was scarce for peasants and lower class citizens, however, the wealthiest had more of a menu. (http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-england/index.htm )

The church’s powers extended to everyday life, making religion a priority, unlike hygiene and health.

VillagesA lord was an authority figure

in a village. People were ranked in different ways. A peasant could be considered free or a “villein”. Being a “villein” meant that you committed a crime and owed service to the lord (www.middle-ages.org.uk/index.htm).

Food for the richThe amount of food you ate

was determined by social class. For example, the wealthy ate food that consisted of capons, geese, larks, chickens, beef, bacon, lamb, and fish; which they had a surplus of and consumed in great amounts (www.medievlife.net/medieval_history_england.htm).

Food for the poorThe poor and lower class

depended on beans, peas, pottage and bread made from barley and rye. The pottage, or stew, consisted of anything edible that they could obtain. Such as onions, cabbage, garlic, nuts, berries, leeks, spinach, and parsley. The poor had a small amount of food that contained little vitamins and nutrients (www.medieval-life.net/medieval_history_england.htm).

ReligionReligion was a significant part of

life in the 1300s. In fact, most art and architecture were based upon religion. Religion was a top priority in daily life, including praying over the sick and wounded. The church was a dominant force over the villages, and influenced life and law in the 1300s (www.middle-ages.org.uk/index.htm).

HealthThose who lived in Middle Age

England were not the healthiest people. Food was scarce and their diets lacked essential nutrients. People during these times did not bathe or clean themselves as often as they should have. Disease and infection from injuries was always a concern (http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/index.htm).

DiseaseDuring the 14th century, sickness

spread easily due to improper disposal of wastes and unsanitary conditions. Since doctors as well as hospitals were few in number, barbers sometimes served as surgeons. The cure for most diseases was to get the bad blood out (http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-england/index.htm

). Sometimes, the church was even summoned to perform an exorcism on a patient. The sick were most likely exiled as well.

The Black DeathThe black death is believed to have

been spread through sailors who traveled along the black sea in 1347. When the violently sick men had arrived ashore, so did the disease. The disease was so ferocious it could kill in the matter of hours (Ross). The village people believed they were being punished by God, or had reached the Apocalypse, the end of time.

The Black DeathRumors that the Jews had spread this to

poison the Christian world, and many Jews were murdered by frantic mobs. Once the disease reached England, 30-40% of England’s population had died (Ross). Being an extremely religious time period, the carriers of the disease were terrified that when the time of their death arrived, the hadn’t confessed their sins. Being diagnosed with the Black Death was practically a death sentence, very few if any survived it (Ross).

The Black DeathThe Black Death is a bacteria born

illness, which was carried by the blood of black rats in the wild, and the fleas on this rats. When the rat host dies, the fleas had to have an alternative to live off of, including humans. The disease had come to a slow stop at the end of the century, however returned now and then in the 15th century (Ross).

ClothingWomen of the 14th century wore a

full gown that fitted the figure and was worn over a kirtle. The inner dress had tight elbow sleeves with wider ones on the outside. Young girls wore their hair in two long braids and sometimes bows (called ‘bends’ in the 1300s) were worn (Eilers).

ClothingKnights would wear a suit of armor

to protect them in battle and define their importance. Men would wear a cote-hardie with tights underneath (Eilers). They generally wore one color on top and another color on bottom. Their hair was mostly curly, cut round, and bushy; and they were generally clean shaven.

The End

Works Cited• History of England. N.p., 2000. Web. 19 Sept. 2012.

<http://www.medieval-life.net/medieval_history_england.htm>. • "Middle Ages." Middle Ages. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sep"Medieval

England." Medieval England. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. <http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-england/index.htm>.

• "Medieval History of England." Medieval t. 2012. <http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/index.htm>.

• Ross, David. "The Black Death in England 1348-1350." The Black Death in England 1348-50. Britain Express, 2000. Web. 19 Sept. 2012. <http://www.britainexpress.com/History/medieval/black-death.htm>.

• Eilers, Brenda. "Clothing Of The Fourteenth Century." Clothing Of The Fourteenth Century. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2012. <http://www.oldandsold.com/articles09/clothes-23.shtml>.