Irene Preston's Historical Writing
MEDIEVAL WOMEN
By the age of seven boys from noble families were trained as pages, then
knighthood. Lower down the scale boys learned their father's trade even
girls could enter the guilds if taking up their father's trade. Most
girls learnt from their mothers in all levels of society, sewing,
cooking, general housekeeping, looking after the family and perhaps
knowledge of growing herbs. Girls from noble families were also taught
the use of herbs in cooking and healing, embroidery, music, Latin and
French, and most important how to oversee a large household and support
their husbands. Girls were often betrothed at an early age and sent to
live in the homes of their betrothed. If the couple decided they were
not suited they could cancel their betrothal. Many women would become
governesses, housekeepers or nurses. Members of the lower classes often
became wet-nurses as breastfeeding was believed to act as a
contraceptive.
Younger daughters of noble families often entered the abbeys and often
become an abbess by bringing her dowry to the abbey. The work of running
an abbey required the same skills as a large household and the nuns were
allotted their own tasks. One nun had been a barber or blood-letter and
worker in the infirmary for forty years. Healing required much skill
with the knowledge of herbs and the workings of the physical body. Many
daughters of doctors were trained by their fathers and accompanied them
to the Holy Land. Some women entered the medical schools on the
continent and learnt to perform caesarean operations. During the 13th
century there was an active role of feminists who wrote on the health
problems of women.
Eleanor of Aquitaine had married Louis VII of France and accompanied
him, with her army of ladies, dressed in armour, to the Holy Land. She
later married Henry II and was a powerful and active woman in politics.
Two of her sons were King Richard I and King John.
There have been many interesting women throughout the ages.
The Countess of Dunbar led the defences of her castle when under siege
by Edward III during the 14th century. She was known locally as Black
Agnes.
Widow Rose of Burford was active in the wool trade exporting to Calais.
Her husband had been an officer of the crown and had lent money to
Edward II. When Edward had not repaid the loan she wrote to the court
requesting payment by refunds from her export duties. Through her
initiative and daring her request was granted.
One medieval woman, even though she was married to a rich merchant, had
her own businesses, a brewery and a mill. She also had 14 children,
enjoyed the pleasure of good clothes and was a mystic who went on
pilgrimages.
An abbess who lived in Surrey had 28 dwellings in London.
During the 12th century one lady, called Nicola de la Haye, held lands
in Normandy and Lincolnshire including the hereditary ward-ship of
Lincoln Castle. Her husband exercised her rights and served as sheriff
under King Richard I and King John. When her husband died in 1215 she
held the castle against the French and was looked upon with great
respect. She was visited by King John and offered him the keys saying
she was too old for fighting the French. He returned the keys to her.
Medieval widows were powerful, rich and often held extensive lands. They
had to know the law and be a good judge of men to employ good managers
and officials. They had the greatest freedom and independence. Some
chose to live in cloisters but not take vows, and endowed the abbey with
great wealth.
Celia Fiennes was born in Salisbury in 1662. Her father was a colonel in
the Parliamentary army. From 1685 to 1703 she travelled all over England
with just two servants. She rode sidesaddle and kept a journal. The
first comprehensive survey of the country since William Cambden's
"Britannia" in 1586. Celia died in 1741. Her journal was discovered in
1885 and published in 1888, "Through England on a Side-saddle."
The Magna Charta not only protected widows but also protected young
wards.
"The guardian of the land belonging to an heir who is under age, shall
not take from the land only that which is reasonable produce, customs,
services and without destruction or waste of men or goods. If he has
made destruction or waste of what he holds in wardship, he will make
amends and two lawful and discreet men take responsibility of lands and
wardship. The lands must be in good productive order with supplies and
winter coverage for workers, animals and equipment."
Richard de Stokeport, Lord of the Manor of Stockport, died in 1292 and
left two young daughters, Joan and Matilda. The youngest daughter,
Matilda, became the ward of Hamo de Massey of Dunham. When he was absent
from his castle she was brought into the court yard and stripped to her
shift and then abducted by William Button of Button. They were married
in 1307, she died young without issue.
A 14th century heiress, Agnes de Cheadle, had married Richard de
Bulkeley of Broxton. Their son William was shield bearer to Edward the
Black Prince. William died leaving a 10 year old son, Richard, who
became the ward of Richard II. The King sold the wardship to Hugh
Venables of Kinderton for £400. Hugh arranged a marriage between Richard
and his daughter Margery. Richard died aged 21 leaving 3 daughters and a
son.
From Letters of Medieval Women edited by Ann Crawford and various
histories of Stockport, Cheshire and Derbyshire.