When the fires started as orders, they were very popular. But there was a backlash against them from various people who think they're too wealthy or that they're taking too much away from local parish churches. There is good evidence of violence and conflict with other groups in towns. And we do have evidence, for example, that one of the fryer's servants was murdered in 14th century gang pressure.
Crushed by a cart, infected with parasitic worms and painful bunions caused by pointy shoes. These might sound like curses you’d wish on your worst enemy, but a group of researchers have discovered they were probably a part of normal life in medieval Cambridge. Across several archaeological sites, the team have excavated and analysed hundreds of bones to uncover the accidents and afflictions of people in the middle ages. In this Halloween special, Madeleine Finlay hears from Nicola Davis as she takes a trip to Cambridge to investigate what old skeletons can reveal about the lives of those in centuries gone by. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod