Medieval London was no stranger to disease. The Black Death (bubonic plague) devastated Europe in the mid-14th century, killing an estimated one-third to half of London’s population. The memory of plague outbreaks haunted the city for centuries.

Beyond plague, common illnesses such as dysentery, smallpox, and respiratory infections were frequent killers. Hygiene was primitive by modern standards, with crowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and contaminated water making London a breeding ground for disease.

Medical knowledge was limited, and many illnesses were thought to be caused by imbalances of the “humors” or by divine punishment. Remedies ranged from herbal treatments to religious prayers and charms. The lack of effective treatment made health an urgent worry for everyone, especially during outbreaks.

 Love, Marriage, and Family: Navigating Social Expectations and Romance

Love and relationships in medieval London were shaped by social customs and economic realities. Marriage was often less about romance and more about alliances, property, and social status. Families sought to marry their children advantageously, sometimes arranging matches that benefited the household financially or politically.

However, love and courtship did exist outside arranged marriages. Songs, poetry, and literature from the period reveal that romantic love was a cherished ideal, even if it was difficult to realize openly.

Women’s roles were largely confined to the home, and motherhood was both a blessing and a danger, given the risks of childbirth. Infidelity, illegitimacy, and social scandal were real concerns, particularly for women.

Medieval Londoners worried about fertility, the success of their marriages, and the well-being of their children. Love was both a personal and a social concern. shutdown123