The British History Podcast Medieval Childhoods
Jan 29, 2025
Dr. Z, a guest expert on medieval childhoods, takes listeners on an intriguing journey into the lives of children in the Middle Ages. They explore the significance of music in daily life, from child-sized instruments to communal singing. The discussion also uncovers gender dynamics in recreational swimming and compares medieval games like Blind Man's Bluff.
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Medieval Music Education
- Medieval children played music often, using instruments like drums, cymbals, and flutes.
- Music was foundational to education and a common form of entertainment, unlike today's specialized musicians.
Medieval Swimming Habits
- Swimming was a noble pastime until the 11th century, then it became mainly a children's activity, especially for boys.
- Marginalia often depicts boys skinny-dipping, possibly because depicting girls was considered indecent for monks.
Medieval Games
- Children played games like Cherry Pit (flicking cherry pits into holes) and Knuckle Bones (similar to jacks).
- Knuckle Bones were also used for a game resembling tabletop football, flicking bones through a goal made with hands.