Monthly Archives: January 2013

Entering a guild

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Ruth

Boys entered the world of men most often by passing exams to become full guild members in their craft. They had spent their apprentice years serving in the shop, first with menial chores, and gradually with more skilled work. In … Continue reading →

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Planning for an average wedding

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Ruth

It’s the late 13th century and you’re a prosperous cooper in a mid-sized town in Flanders. Your daughter, age 17, is getting married in the spring, and you need to put on a feast for 100. You live in/above your … Continue reading →

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A wedding in Italy

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Ruth

Weddings in medieval Italy were a little bit different. The betrothal was a much bigger deal in Italy than in Northern Europe. The bride’s family prepared a lavish feast at their home. The bride’s male relatives met the groom and … Continue reading →

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With this ring, I thee wed!

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Ruth

The medieval wedding ceremony itself was very simple. First, the priest had to ask his legal questions. Were they both of age? (Legal marriage age varied with place and time.) Were they legally free to marry–that is, was either already … Continue reading →

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Wedding on the church steps

Posted on January 26, 2013 by Ruth

The simplest medieval wedding was the informal private marriage, but it was not recommended. All that was truly required was that the couple must say to each other “I take you as my wife” and “I take you as my … Continue reading →

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Will you marry me?

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Ruth

In medieval Europe, they believed in men and women choosing freely whom to marry. Among the royalty and aristocracy, since marriage was connected to property and government, marriages were basically arranged. But for the rest of medieval European society, marriages … Continue reading →

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Dowries

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Ruth

Medieval children transitioned into adulthood with growing responsibility in their profession or with marriage. Girls (as always) married earlier, so we’ll start with marriage from the girl’s point of view. Aristocratic girls could be betrothed or married at very young … Continue reading →

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Orphan children

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Ruth

Many medieval children became orphans, either full orphans or with only one parent. Ironically, becoming an orphan was less of a tragedy for children who were not going to inherit property. Children who already lived in poverty became wards of … Continue reading →

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Medieval girls

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Ruth

Meanwhile, what were medieval girls learning? Mostly fabric arts: spinning and sewing. Next to those chief occupations, herbal arts: home medicine and making ale. All classes and types of girls below the aristocracy could expect to keep a distaff and … Continue reading →

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Kids’ war games

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Ruth

In medieval wars, the leaders and chief actors were knights, whose children were all in formal knighthood training. But there were always large parties of common men who used bows and spears; at times, their actions were more important than … Continue reading →

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