Town & Village Life (Y6)

Question 1

What were towns built around/near/on?

Answer 1

Rivers, castles.

Question 2

Name 5 problems you would face in a Medieval town

Answer 2

1. Smell. Animals and people generating sewerage, which went into Streets.
2. No fresh water. River served as sewerage system and drinking water, too!
3. Smoky, because of all the open fires.
4. Disease, to to lots of people in a small space, and poor hygiene. Rats.
5. Fire. Lots of wooden houses close together. Lots of open fires for cooking and heating.
6. Violence. No police. Examples = Peasant’s Revolt.

Question 3

How did you get a charter?

Answer 3

A medieval town would seek a charter from the Crown, giving it the right to become a borough [borough: A town with its own rights granted by royal charter.]. The rich merchants would then be allowed to choose a mayor and hold a market.

Question 4

What was a guild?

Answer 4

An association of craftsmen or merchants, which set standards for the quality and price of goods.

Question 5

Why would you produce a “Masterpiece”?

Answer 5

If an apprentice wanted to become a “Master”, to enable him to join a guild, he would need to produce a “masterpiece” which would be judged by the members of the guild.

Question 6

Name 5 ways you could be entertained in Medieval Britain

Answer 6

1. wrestling
2. shin-kicking
3. cock-fighting
4. travelling musicians
5. bear baiting

Question 7

Why did people have large shop signs?

Answer 7

They needed to have pictures, because people couldn’t read.

Question 8

If you produced poor quality goods, how could you be punished?

Answer 8

1. People could be fined.
2. The machines that made them could be burnt
3. you may not be able to be in your guild.