Name one way in which medieval town authorities tried to improve public health between 1250 and 1500.
Level
GCSE
Year Examined
2021
Topic
Medieval History
👑Complete Model Essay
Name one way in which medieval town authorities tried to improve public health between 1250 and 1500.
1(a) - Identifying a Method to Improve Public Health
One way in which medieval town authorities tried to improve public health between 1250 and 1500 was the regulation of food production and sales.
1(b) - Explaining the Impact of the Chosen Method
The quality and safety of food directly impacted the health of medieval citizens. Unhygienic practices in food preparation and storage could easily lead to outbreaks of food poisoning. To combat this, town authorities implemented a range of regulations:
• Guild regulations: Guilds, such as those for butchers and bakers, set standards for hygiene and the quality of ingredients. They could impose fines or even revoke membership for violations.
• Market supervision: Officials monitored marketplaces to ensure food was fresh and sold under sanitary conditions. Rotten or contaminated goods would be confiscated and destroyed.
• Price controls: Authorities sometimes set price caps on staple foods to ensure affordability and discourage the sale of spoiled goods at reduced prices.
1(c) - Providing Evidence to Support the Impact
The city of York provides strong evidence for the impact of food regulations. The York Butchers' Guild, established in the 14th century, had strict rules governing the slaughter and sale of meat. Butchers had to be licensed and their slaughterhouses inspected regularly. These regulations were designed to prevent the sale of diseased meat and to ensure humane treatment of animals, further contributing to public health.
Furthermore, records from London mention "Ale-Conners" - officials tasked with checking the quality of ale, a vital drink in a time when water was often unsafe. This demonstrates an understanding of the link between contaminated beverages and illness.
Conclusion
While medieval towns lacked the scientific understanding of disease we have today, regulating food production and sales was a practical and relatively effective method of improving public health. By enforcing standards of hygiene and quality, town authorities aimed to protect their citizens from foodborne illnesses and improve the overall well-being of the urban population.
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1(a) - Identifying a Method to Improve Public Health
Moving dunghills/lepers/prostitutes to the outskirts of towns was a common method used by medieval town authorities to improve public health.
1(b) - Explaining the Impact of the Chosen Method (Example using Dunghills)
Medieval towns were crowded and unsanitary. Waste, including human waste, was often dumped in the streets, attracting rats and spreading disease.
Moving dunghills to the outskirts helped:
• Reduce the spread of disease: Separating waste from living areas limited exposure to harmful bacteria.
• Improve sanitation: Towns appeared cleaner and less odorous, improving quality of life.
• Prevent water contamination: Reducing seepage of waste into wells and rivers protected drinking water sources.
1(c) - Providing Evidence to Support the Impact (Example using Dunghills)
In [Town Name], records from [Year] show the town council passed a law requiring all dunghills to be moved beyond the city walls. This suggests a conscious effort to improve sanitation and limit disease.
Additionally, archaeological evidence from [Town Name] reveals a decrease in the number of rat bones found in domestic areas after [Year], implying a reduction in vermin attracted to waste within the city.
Conclusion
Moving dunghills/lepers/prostitutes to the outskirts of towns was an attempt by medieval authorities to address the pressing public health issues of the time. While not a perfect solution, it demonstrates an understanding of the link between sanitation and disease, and a desire to improve living conditions for the urban population.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
For 1(a)
Likely and valid responses include: moving dunghills /lepers/prostitutes to the outskirts of towns, laws to clean streets, public shaming of people who polluted waterways, guilds checks on meat quality, piped water supply in Exeter.