The Central Role of Churches in Medieval Villages

Churches served as the cornerstone of medieval village life, with as many as 15,000 parish churches across England by the 13th century. They were not just places of worship; their significance extended to community gathering and local governance, where social events, education, and even judicial rulings took place. The presence of a church was essential for a settlement to be classified as a village, demonstrating its integral role in societal structure. Additionally, churches housed valuable art, illuminated manuscripts, and became pilgrimage sites, highlighting their multifaceted importance in medieval culture.