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5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns. Feature 1 Feature 2 (b) Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives. You may u... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of life in medieval towns.
Answer
One key feature of life in medieval towns was that they were centers of trade and commerce. Many towns housed various tradespeople such as builders, blacksmiths, and shopkeepers. This diversity of occupation contributed to the economic vitality of these towns, allowing for a bustling marketplace.
Another important feature was the living conditions, which were often cramped and unsanitary. Towns were typically crowded, leading to poor hygiene. Streets were narrow and cluttered, contributing to the spread of diseases such as the plague.
Step 2
Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives.
Answer
The Interdict had a profound effect on ordinary people's lives, mainly because it denied them access to the sacraments that were central to their faith. Without the ability to receive sacraments, such as baptism, marriage, and last rites, many people felt cut off from their spiritual community.
Additionally, the Interdict meant that Holy Days, which were occasions for communal gatherings and celebrations, were disrupted. This loss of community support and ritual greatly affected the social fabric of medieval life, leading to increased tensions between the church and the local populace.