Dolly Jørgensen

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.

Dolly Jørgensen, a Professor of History at the University of Stavanger and expert on medieval urban life, delves into the intriguing relationship between pigs and city living in the Middle Ages. She explains how these animals were crucial for food and waste management, yet often caused chaos by roaming streets and creating sanitation issues. Jørgensen discusses the laws regulating urban pigs and the social tensions they generated. Ultimately, she reveals how urban beautification efforts led to their decline, reshaping the medieval city landscape.