Britain in the Later Middle Ages

Edited by SH Rigby – Book Review

Jan 5, 2009

A Companion to Britain in the Later Middle Ages - a survey of Britain 1100 - 1500, written by experts in the field.

This is a wide-ranging survey, divided into 28 chapters, which examines England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales during the later Middle Ages. The book covers four main themes: economy and society in town and country; politics, government and law; the Church and piety; education and culture.

There are thirty contributors, including editor SH Rigby, senior lecturer in history at University of Wales, Bangor, Scott L Waugh, professor of history at University of California and Jane Whittle, senior lecturer in history at Exeter University.

Towns and Villages in Medieval Britain

The economy and society in town and country section covers what life was like in medieval Britain’s many towns and villages. The chapters begin with a look at the characteristics of a town as opposed to a village and goes on to examine the various trades which were carried out in urban and rural settlements.

Urban government, urban culture, including societies and craft guilds, are examined alongside conflicts in villages and an examination of the causes of the Peasant’s Revolt of 1381.

Politics in Medieval Britain

The politics section examines the instability of the medieval period, an era in which, of the eighteen kings who ruled medieval England, only six died of natural causes, rather than on the battlefield or murdered.

Medieval politics was absolutely male-dominated and power was in the hands of a wealthy elite. Although there were opportunities for townsmen and villagers to become involved in the running of their local communities, it was only the privileged who wielded any real power.

The Church in Medieval Britain

The church and piety section of the book concentrates on the various forms of ecclesiastical life in medieval Britain, from the smallest nunnery to the largest cathedral. The authors examine what motivated men and women to become involved in religious life and also look at how people could become involved in their local religious community, through patronage or donations.

The chapters cover monasticism, church personnel, relations between the crown and church, church reform, women and religion and heresy.

Education and Culture in Medieval Britain

The Education and Culture section is enlivened with the addition of photographs of churches and works of art, something which would have benefited the book as a whole. In this section, the authors explore the various forms of education available in medieval Britain, for both males and females.

The section covers elementary, grammar and university educations, as well as less formal training, such as apprenticeships for crafts or home-making. It becomes clear that, although formal education was prevalent among the upper classes, there were real chances for people of lesser means to gain an education and progress in life, via scholarships or apprenticeships.

Summary

This is a wide-ranging and in-depth look at the state of Britain between the years 1100 – 1500, a period which saw much change in the country. The book is clearly written and divided into logical sections and chapters, with a comprehensive bibliography and further reading list at the end of each chapter.

The book is particularly strong in its treatment of Scotland, Wales and Ireland, countries which are often omitted from traditional medieval textbooks.

Publication Details

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