Could You Make a Living in Medieval London?

The script begins with a discussion of the mythical foundation of Britain by Brutus, a Trojan, as chronicled by Gregory of Tours. It then transitions to the actual medieval communities of London, highlighting the significance of the Roman-built London Wall in defining community membership. The wall, which was reconstructed by Alfred the Great after the city's collapse, symbolized London's rebirth and served multiple functions, including defense, taxation, and delineating the city's edge. The script also touches on the socio-economic distribution within medieval London, noting that wealthier areas were typically more centrally located for safety and better protection.

This paragraph explores the history and transformation of the Temple area in London, initially established by the Knights Templar, a crusading order. The Templars, who became wealthy and powerful, had their order abolished in 1312, leading to a redistribution of their land. The land eventually became associated with legal professionals, as it housed the Royal Courts of Justice. The narrative explains how the Temple's purpose shifted from a religious to a legal one, reflecting the city's changing needs and power dynamics.

The script delves into the importance of the Royal Courts of Justice in medieval London, emphasizing their central role in legal matters, particularly those involving the king or the crown. It explains that not everyone was subject to the royal legal code, with many falling under local lords' jurisdictions. However, Londoners, due to the city's royal status, were directly under the crown's legal authority, necessitating the presence of many lawyers in the city. The paragraph also discusses the significance of the legal profession in the medieval period and its ties to the monarchy.

The script introduces Ely Place, a unique area technically outside of London's jurisdiction, belonging to the Bishop of Ely. It served as a sanctuary where the bishop could stay while in London and was home to a church dedicated to Saint Ethelreda. The paragraph highlights the peculiar legal status of Ely Place, offering a safe haven for those fleeing legal trouble, as the local authorities could not pursue individuals within its bounds.

Smithfield, known for its history of public executions, including that of William Wallace, is explored in this paragraph. The location was chosen for its capacity to accommodate large crowds and its function as a meat market, adding to the area's notoriety. Despite its grim reputation, Smithfield was also a site of miracles, particularly associated with St. Bartholomew's Church, where sick pilgrims sought cures. The script paints a vivid picture of the dual nature of Smithfield as both a place of punishment and a site of religious significance.

The script discusses Guildhall, a significant site for London's self-governance during the medieval period. It explains the unique status of London, which, despite being under the king's jurisdiction, had its own municipal government with an elected mayor. The Guildhall was also associated with taxation and the powerful guilds that regulated trade and contributed to the city's wealth and governance.

This paragraph examines the role of the Jewish community in medieval London, particularly their involvement in financial services. The Jews were invited to London post-Norman conquest to lend money at interest, a practice forbidden to Christians. The script details the Jewish Charter, which protected this practice and made the king the sole tax collector from the Jewish population. However, resentment built up over time, leading to violence and eventually the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290.

The final paragraph discusses the role of sex workers, known as Winchester Geese, in medieval London. Sex work was considered necessary for societal functioning but was not highly regarded. These workers operated in Southwark, just outside London's jurisdiction, where they were identifiable by specific clothing. The bishop of Winchester, who owned the land, profited from renting it to the sex workers. However, the workers faced harsh consequences, including burial in unhallowed ground if they died without repentance.