Lisa Shea Article

Life in Medieval Days

I have always been interested in medieval life - in the real trials and tribulations that people went through, not in the Disney squeaky-clean version of dewy-eyed girls in pristine dresses. Here are my research notes on these interesting times.

Most historians generally categorize the medieval years as stretching from 1042 (Edward the Confessor) through 1377 (Edward III). Others stretch it to a full thousand years which is far too long in my point of view. There are so many changes going on through that period! For example, my novels tend to all be set in 1200-1300. The 1200s were a time of plenty. In 1300 a "little ice age" began to hit, meaning there were crop failures, less healthy people, and shorter lives. As a result, in 1315-17 there was widespread famine, killing off 10% of Europe. Then the Black Plague came in 1347, and we know how bad that was. Some say this killed off a full HALF of the European population. So you can see the immense difference between life in the wonderful 1200s and the horrific 1300s.

Here is my research on medieval times. I have numerous books on medieval life - please let me know if you have any questions!

Medieval Life Medieval Animals and Birds Medieval Boys Names Medieval Children Medieval Life and People Medieval Bathing and Cleanliness Medieval Feasts Medieval Flowers Medieval Forms of Address Medieval Games Medieval Girls Names Medieval Kings and Queens Medieval Language Medieval Lighting Medieval Literacy Medieval Medicine Medieval Money and Coinage Medieval Religion Medieval Religious Orders Medieval Time of Day Medieval Transportation Medieval Dress and Adornment Medieval Clothing Women's Medieval Clothing Medieval Dyes Medieval Gemstones Medieval Rings Medieval Eating Medieval Style of Eating Medieval Food Medieval Beverages Medieval Cutlery Medieval Holidays Medieval Twelve Days of Christmas

Medieval Conflict Medieval Bows and Arrows Medieval Horses Medieval Keeps and Castles Medieval Weapons Medieval Swords and Swordfighting Medieval Occupations Medieval Prostitution Medieval Jousting Jousting Photos - Oct 2008 Medieval Romance Medieval Romance Basics Medieval Romance for Villagers Medieval Romance for Nobles Medieval Romance for Men Medieval Romance for Women Intimacy in the Middle Ages Medieval Women with Strength Queen Boudicia - Queen and Warrior 60ad (a bit early! but historically interesting) Ethelfleda - Military Ruler 872 Eleanor of Aquitaine - Queen and Warrior 1122 Maria of Pozzuoli - Italian Soldier early 1300s Joan of Arc - Soldier Maiden 1412 Modern Books and Movies about Medieval Swordswomen Books with Medieval Swordswomen Movies with Medieval Swordswomen TV Shows with Medieval Swordswomen Books about the Middle Ages

Lisa's Medieval Romances


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