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starter activity. Recognise this place? If you were going to improve things here, what changes would you make to the town? Think about things like security, shopping, transport, tourism etc. Planning the ideal medieval town. Aims.
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starter activity Recognise this place? If you were going to improve things here, what changes would you make to the town? Think about things like security, shopping, transport, tourism etc.
Planning the ideal medieval town Aims To understand the reasons why towns become more important in the Middle Ages To plan an ‘ideal’ medieval town
Towns • When William, Duke of Normandy conquered England in 1066 there were less than 10 towns • Norwich & Winchester had 2,500 people (smaller than Bearsted!) • Most people lived in villages of no more than 50 people • By 1400, 300 towns existed. London had a population of 40,000
Trade • Trade focus of town life • Guilds protected people involved in trades • Provided training • Regulated behaviour, e.g. curfews on smiths • Foreign traders often banished What services do you think the carpenters’ guild provided?
Streets • Streets were narrow • Litter problems! • Tolls • Buildings crowded together • Animals ran wild! • Town planning
Old Romney What do you notice about the difference between Old & New Romney? New Romney
Law & order • Beadles & constables • Hue & cry • Penalties: amputation – execution • Sanctuary at local church • Bells – angelus & curfew • Watchmen • Carrying of weapons restricted • Wearing of masks limited
Safety • What was so dangerous about medieval town buildings?
Safety • 1213, tile roofs compulsory in London • Brick & stone expensive, but encouraged • Controls for bakers & brewers • Jars of water • Fire hooks How did fire hooks help?
Charter • Granted rights, e.g. to hold weekly markets, appoint mayor & aldermen • Pay taxes to king & provide soldiers Dover’s seal
Your task • You are going to role play what it must have been like to be part of a medieval town council. You will need to get into groups of six. Quickly choose a mayor and distribute the role cards. The aim of the task is to produce a town charter which fellow councillors (aldermen) will vote on. The safest and best organised town (judging from its charter) will win merits!