Medieval Society (05:37)

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In the Middle Ages, England moved from being an almost exclusively agricultural feudal society to a society on the threshold of creating an empire.

The Middle Age Forest (03:27)

The king's forest was a place where the king could hunt, and the law that applied there was different from the law that applied in the villages.

Medieval Villagers (02:52)

At least 90% of the early medieval population were villagers. They farmed two, sometimes three, vast open fields which could cover hundreds of acres.

The Agriculture Revolution (04:27)

The story of medieval agriculture is one of very profound contrasts, boom and bust, and very painful readjustment to changed circumstances.

Strolling Minstrels (04:09)

Minstrels were employed to entertain at all festivities, and the tournament was a popular event where knights could display their skills.

The History of Medieval Education (07:11)

The history of medieval education is characterized by a spontaneous growth in the 12th and 13th centuries, followed by a reaction to the Black Death in the 14th century. Education becomes more secular, and practical education becomes more common. Apprenticeship is an important form of education in the later Middle Ages.

Fashions Change to Meet Needs (02:28)

The streets were dirty and smelled bad because people dumped their rubbish outside their houses. So, fashion responded by making shorter clothes fashionable, so that they would not drag in the sewage on the streets. Wearing a hood kept the rain out, and closer fitting clothing made work more practical.

Middle Ages Prosperity (03:45)

The Middle Ages were a time of great change in Europe, as people gradually grew more prosperous and began to demand more freedoms. The Domesday Book and Magna Carta are two famous written works from this time that still fascinate us.

Medieval Barons (04:26)

Church was important in medieval life, and priests were very important people in villages. Superstition still existed, and the church exploited serfs just as much as anyone else did. Art was not neglected in medieval life, and the church was responsible for some of the best art of the time.

The Hundred Years' War with France (03:22)

The Hundred Years' War was a series of wars fought between England and France from 1338-1453 over French resentment at England's rule inland in Southwest France and Edward III's claim to the French throne.

Black Death (02:34)

The Black Death killed many people, which had a lot of consequences.

Peasant's Revolt (04:40)

The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was a response to the government's attempt to peg wages at the level of 1346. The revolt was led by Wat Tyler, and it ended with his death.

The Wars of the Roses (05:33)

The Wars of the Roses were a series of medieval conflicts fought in England between the House of Lancaster and the House of York for the sovereignty of the country. The wars were fought in three phases, with a hiatus between each, and ended with the victory of the House of York and the coronation of King Edward IV.

Credits (00:55)

Credits