History Extra podcast How pigs caused a stink in medieval England
Jan 13, 2025
Dolly Jørgensen, author of 'The Medieval Pig', takes listeners on a fascinating journey into the world of pigs in medieval England. She discusses how these creatures, despite causing chaos—including attacking children and disturbing graves—were vital to urban life. Jørgensen explains the peculiar regulations designed to manage rogue pigs and maintain cleanliness. The dialogue also touches on the cultural perceptions of pigs and their eventual decline as urbanization changed societal views on animal ownership.
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Urban Pig Keeping
- Pigs were common in medieval cities due to their omnivorous diet and small space requirements.
- Their meat's easy preservation and lard production made them valuable.
Pig Mayhem
- In 1436, an unruly pig broke free, knocked over a cradle, and ate a blanket.
- Such incidents, while recorded, weren't everyday occurrences in medieval cities.
Pig Control Measures
- Medieval cities implemented laws to control pig movement and waste management.
- Loose pigs were often seized, and designated swineherds collected pigs for grazing.
