What were houses like in medieval Europe?

Medieval houses had a timber frame. Panels that did not carry loads were filled with wattle and daub. Bricks were also very costly and in the Middle Ages they were only used to build houses for the very rich. In the early Middle Ages most roofs were thatched.

Why did towns grow near the Manor Castle?

Other towns were built on the manors of important lords or around castles and monasteries. Many towns grew up where there was a natural advantage, e.g. at natural harbours, river crossings and at major crossroads where people could set up shops to sell to passers by.

What were medieval peasants houses like?

Peasants lived in cruck houses. These had a wooden frame onto which was plastered wattle and daub. This was a mixture of mud, straw and manure. The straw added insulation to the wall while the manure was considered good for binding the whole mixture together and giving it strength.

What were medieval town houses made of?

Most medieval town houses were timber-framed with wattle walls. Stone buildings were constructed for the very rich. In a medieval house the main element was the hall, divided by screens forming a passageway from the pantries and kitchen area.

Where were medieval towns built?

Medieval towns tended to grow around areas where people could easily meet, such as crossroads or rivers. Towns needed more water than villages, so a nearby water supply was vital.

Did medieval villages have castles?

Castle towns were common in Medieval Europe. In Western Europe, and England particularly, it is common for cities and towns that were not castle towns to instead have been organized around cathedrals.

What were some common diseases in medieval Europe?

Common diseases were dysentery, malaria, diphtheria, flu, typhoid, smallpox and leprosy.

What was peasant life like in medieval Europe?

Daily life for peasants consisted of working the land. Life was harsh, with a limited diet and little comfort. Women were subordinate to men, in both the peasant and noble classes, and were expected to ensure the smooth running of the household.

What did medieval town houses look like?

What were medieval towns like?

Video about life in medieval England New towns developed around religious buildings, castles or trade routes. These towns were crowded, noisy and smelly. Towns were not healthy places to live. Although housing did improve during the period, there was no sewage system.

What were medieval villages like?

Most medieval villages would have a village green, a well for the drinking water, stables for horses, a stream in which to fish, a blacksmith, carpenters house, beehives and the all-important medieval inn were a medieval people could drink away all their problems with a jug of ale.

What kind of buildings were in medieval villages?

The common form of buildings in a medieval village was small houses with thatched roofs which were used as living places for common people. Houses were generally made of mud, stone, or wood which could be made available from the nearby forests.