Medieval english village free#
Medieval english village windows#

The Old Bridge of Stirling, a stone bridge dating back to the 12th century straddles the river Forth and is a magnificent example of medieval architecture. Today, the castle hosts exhibitions about Scottish history and offers guided tours. Located on a volcanic rock above the city, it offers a panoramic view over the the surrounding countryside.

The castle, which was built in the 15th century, is one of the city’s principal attractions. Situated on the banks of the river Forth in Scotland, Stirling is reputed for its rich history and cultural heritage. York is considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the UK. The Shambles, a picturesque medieval road is particularly famous for its corralled houses, historic shops and atmospheric feeling. The old town of York is a maze of narrow streets, half-timbered housing and well preserved medieval buildings. The key elements of the town are its gothic cathedral – one of the great medieval cathedrals in Northern Europe, the fortified complex of Clifford’s Tower, which offers an amazing view over the city. York – EnglandĮven if the history of York can be traced back to the Roman era, it is in the Medieval era when the town really developed and prospered. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, another landmark of the town, puts on plays throughout the year often starring world-renowned actors. Tourists can discover exhibitions about Shakespeare’s daily life, as well as artefacts linked to his family. On Henley Street, where Shakespeare was born, there is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the playwright. The town is most notable as the birthplace of one of the biggest names in English Literature – William Shakespeare. As the name suggests, the river Avon crosses through the town and means you can take boat tour to explore further. The town features charming cobbled streets and timbered houses as well as pretty shops and pleasant gardens.

Medieval english village free#

For example, peasants could receive free timber and straw and only have to take care of the actual construction work.Stratford-upon-Avon is located in the county of Warwickshire. The median figure for a finished house (including telling, preparation and cartage) was around £4.īecause new tenants were not easy to find, and landlords didn’t want to let the buildings decay, it was fairly common to share the costs involving in constructing a house or repairing existing structures. Without counting the price of labour, timber for one house could be around 10s. Guild records from the year 1500 AD show that a small oak tree cost 3d each and great oaks 8d. Some towns, like Stratford-upon- Avon, Lutterworth, and -unsurprisingly!- Woodstock served as outlets for timber from the Forest ofĪrden.

It seems that peasants had to obtain timber by buying it on the open market ( Archaeology UK). While some peasants enjoyed the house of ‘housbote’ (which entitled them to take building timber from the lord’s wood), the quantities were rarely enough to complete a house. The scarcity of the timber could add to the cost of building a house in medieval times.

Medieval english village windows#

They had chimneys, the roofs were tiled and the windows had glass in them.

In the later medieval period, houses could be made of brick, although most were still half-timbered because it was cheaper (some of these still exist today and are commonly referred to as Tudor houses). The second floor sometimes had a pergola, or a roofed passage with a staircase going down to the courtyard or the street. A lot of medieval living rooms were decorated with wooden panelling. The furniture consisted mostly of a central table with chairs, and benches and chests with cushions. The living room was usually the only heatable room – and sometimes the only one with windows facing the street. This fireplace could normally be accessed from the kitchen, which made it easier to maintain. There was usually a fireplace in the wall that separated this room from the kitchen. The living room was where most of the indoors activity would take place. A hallway (the bigger the most prestigious).The first floor of a medieval house could have: