Make your own free website on
Life in the town
Trade was what made towns wealthy. Towns were at first part of a lord's or king's domain, but as townsmen became wealthier they didn't like having to work for someone else. In northern France towns struggled to become independent "communes" with violent scenes in the streets. In England, however, the process was done more peacefully. Town dwellers were to pay a fixed sum each year in return for the right to govern themselves. The town had the power to make its own laws, and raise taxes. The townspeople became "burgesses," or free citizens. Timberframe homes were very common in the middle ages.

Medieval towns were almost always surrounded by a stone wall. It was not only used to keep out criminals, they used it to make sure everyone paid a toll.

Feudal System
The Royal Court
Life in the towns
Medieval soldiers
Other History Sites


This site was designed and written by Scott Rees. If this site helped you in any way, please feel free to email me.