History Extra podcast Medieval towns: everything you wanted to know
60 snips
Jan 5, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Professor Carole Rawcliffe, a preeminent scholar of medieval urban history, uncovers the vibrant yet gritty reality of daily life in medieval British towns. She debunks myths of rampant filth and violence, revealing surprisingly clean urban centers and the role of bathhouses. From culinary delights and communal dining to the bustling marketplace traffic, she explores how residents navigated their surroundings. Rawcliffe also sheds light on timekeeping methods and the essential contributions of immigrants, painting a vivid picture of this fascinating era.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Medieval Urbanization
- Medieval Britain had fewer towns than today, with only 15% of the population living in them.
- London, the largest city, had 80,000 people, while other cities like Norwich had 25,000 or less.
Scottish vs. English Burghs
- Scottish burghs had different rights than English burghs, especially economically.
- Larger Scottish burghs held commercial monopolies and controlled foreign trade, resembling Italian city-states.
Defining Medieval Towns
- Medieval towns were defined by physical appearance (walls, gates), legal charters, and a unique urban culture.
- Charters granted rights (administrative, mercantile, legal) in exchange for fees, with some towns achieving county status.