History Extra podcast
Tudor England | 2. Daily life
Dec 5, 2024
Tracy Borman, an author and historian specializing in Tudor history, shares intriguing insights on daily life in Tudor England. Discover the most popular pastimes, misconceptions about bathing, and the ingenious ways people conserved warmth by sharing their homes with pets. Borman also discusses the harsh realities faced by the rural majority compared to the glamorous court life, and the social customs that shaped family dynamics and marriage in this fascinating era.
42:31
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Quick takeaways
- Daily life in Tudor England varied greatly by wealth, influencing housing conditions and available domestic space for families.
- Health care practices were rudimentary and heavily based on the theory of the four humours, affecting overall life expectancy.
Deep dives
Living Conditions of the Average Tudor
The majority of people in Tudor England lived in rural areas, with up to 90% relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. Homes in the countryside were typically modest, often half-timbered, and constructed with wattle and daub, while wealthier individuals could afford brick houses with glass windows. The size and structure of homes varied significantly based on wealth, with poorer households often comprising just one room, while affluent families could have multiple rooms and even built-in chapels. Living conditions also reflected social status, with those in wealthier households enjoying more space and better furniture, while poorer citizens dealt with dirt floors and minimal furnishings.
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