Lifestyle in the 13th Century

During the reign of Edward I, royal power became more consolidated. In architecture, the massive Norman style gave way to the lighter English Gothic style (e.g., Westminster Abbey), though some buildings displayed a transitional style between the two (such as Cistercian structures in Yorkshire).

Cities grew and were surrounded by walls, becoming centers of trade. Merchants and craftsmen settled there, while agricultural areas outside the cities provided food. A council, led by a mayor, governed the cities. Trade between cities flourished, and tariffs were introduced. To protect their interests, craftsmen and merchants formed organizations, giving rise to guilds.

Castle construction also advanced, with changes in layout. Defensive towers were built at the corners of the walls, and residential quarters were constructed along the walls. Castles had a main entrance and several smaller side entrances. The great hall remained the center of life, while the kitchen was located in a separate building. The wealthiest individuals began using glass and decorated their walls with paintings. Open stone fireplaces were built against the walls, and furniture included heavy armchairs, benches, and long tables. Clothes not in use were hung on rods fixed to the walls. Window recesses were equipped with seating, and carpets started to become popular.

Rural life also experienced steady improvement and gradual development. Landowners began collecting rents in money from peasants, as cash was needed to purchase the increasingly common luxury goods. The number of sheep farms grew, as they required fewer workers than plowing fields. This often led landowners to release surplus peasants, who became free laborers and were employed in the growing industrial towns. However, manorial estates still retained their importance. These estates practiced self-sufficient farming, purchasing only items they could not produce themselves, such as furs, silk, and spices.

The development of trade necessitated the expansion of the road network. Old Roman roads were often restored but frequently ran through dense forests, leaving travelers vulnerable to robbers. As a result, noble families seldom visited each other and instead entertained themselves at home. Women engaged in needlework, while men spent their time maintaining and cleaning their weapons. Popular pastimes included group singing, chess, checkers, and hosting wandering performers. Ball games, dancing, and knightly tournaments for practicing weapon skills were also favored forms of entertainment.

Marjorie and C.H. B. Quennel "A History of Everyday Things in England", ford. Kiss Ágnes