History Page

Life in the Middle Ages

Visit sites on the Internet in order to construct an understanding of the lives of villagers in what might be a fairly typical community. You may start at any of a number of sites, but you will want to spend some time exploring a variety of sites related to Anglo Saxon England.

Construct an understanding of life in what might be a fairly typical monastic community. Some of the sites that provide information on life in Anglo Saxon England may be useful sources of information on monks and monasteries and some will be linked to other sites. Be sure to examine a wide range of topics: food, clothing, converting pagans, fasting, the origins of the Medieval church, etc.

Note: You will want to gather enough information to be able to discuss these topics at length in class and compose a thorough essay. Approach these topics as if you were conducting historical research preparing to present your findings to an interested audience.

Outline on Medieval Life
Printable Version

Outline on Monasticism
Printable Version

Outline on the Norman Conquest
Printable Version

Outline on Towns and Trade
Printable Version

The Late Middle Ages

Start with these sites.

    Angelcynn
   The folks at Angelcynn want to create a sense of living history.
   They provide some interesting information on clothing, weapons
   and warfare, Anglo Saxon artifacts, and a useful glossary of terms and names.

Medieval Monasticism

    The Labyrinth
   The Labyrinth offers resources on national cultures and specific topics such
   as archaeology, art, and social history. In addition to the material on Anglo Saxon
   England, you may want to check out the link to Vikings and Norse culture.

    Wharram Percy: The Lost Medieval Village
   Photographs and maps enhance this tour of a Medieval English village.
   The text is brief, but it is worth looking at.

   Medieval Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon Britain: Literature, Culture, History
   If you have ever been interested in Norse or Medieval literature, this site offers
   is a good starting point.

    The Charles W. Nelson Homepage
   Along with links to site related to Anglo Saxon history, you will find links to
   material on King Arthur, Chaucer, and Fantasy literature.

    The Medieval History Sourcebook
   This site at Fordham provides a wealth of primary documents useful for research
   on Church history, Medieval literature, Byzantine, and Islamic culture.

    Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
   Ohio State University has provided an assortment of links to information on
   Medieval art, music, food, religion, as well as links related to the Celts, Vikings,
   and Arthurian studies.

    Medieval History, Archeology, and Architecture
   You will find a brief list: check out the links on Medieval English
   Urban History and The Cost of Living.

   Medieval English Towns
   Links at this site will supply useful information on Medieval towns,
   guilds, domestic life, and a glossary.

Medieval English Towns

Town Life
The Annenberg/CPB Project supplied this brief introduction to Medieval life.

Medieval Technology

Boston (Eng.) in Medieval Times

The Development of Towns

Medieval England - daily life in medieval towns

Guilds and Commerce

Medieval Guilds and Craft Production

Medieval Professions

Medieval Fiefdom

Motte and Bailey Castles example of early castle construction

Motte and Bailey description