Exploring change and continuity - OCR BReasons for change - medieval and early modern Britain

There were more limited changes to people’s health in medieval and early modern Britain in comparison with later periods. However, it would be unfair to say that attempts at improvement were not made. This case study summarises the main changes that took place in this period and examines the reasons for them.

Improvements to the urban environment

Medieval Britain

• There were many examples of town councils or guilds trying to improve their towns.
• By 1500, York’s aldermen had banned people from dumping waste in the street and ordered businesses such as butchers and tanners to move outside the city walls.
• Latrines were built over rivers to carry sewage away. Dunghills were moved to the outskirts of towns.
• London introduced measures after the arrival of the Black Death. For example, in 1385, a warden was employed to ensure the streets and banks of the Thames were free of filth. In 1417, the city authorities closed the public baths during an outbreak of plague.

Early modern Britain

• The aldermen of York continued to make attempts to keep their city clean. For example, they ordered householders to clean the street outside their property twice a week. They also fined people for making dunghills in alleys.
• London took action on housing following the destruction of 10,000 houses during the Great Fire in 1666. Brick, tile, stone and other fireproof materials were used to rebuild houses. This meant that there were fewer rats in people’s homes. Some streets were widened.
• By the 18th century, outbreaks of plague had died down and towns were coping with growing populations and more carriages on the streets. Many introduced measures to make their centres more pleasant for their wealthier residents. For example, they introduced oil-burning lamps on the streets, paved their streets with stone, and built large terraced houses around big, open squares.

Action on plague

• In the medieval period, there was very little government action taken in response to the Black Death. Edward III ordered the mayor of London to clean the streets. He also ordered bishops to parade through towns and cities.
• However, by c.1750, there was a lot more government action.
• In 1518, Henry VIII introduced the policy of isolation in London.
• Elizabeth I’s ministers made use of the printing press to send the 1578 Plague Orders to local authorities all over England. The orders were posted on doors and in public places for people to read.
• The Plague Orders also ordered special prayers to be said in church and the burning of barrels of tar in the streets to clear smells.

Action on gin

• Cheap gin became a big problem in towns. Crime went up, families were fell into poverty and there was an increase in the death rate.
• There were campaigns from individuals, charities and Members of Parliament about the impact of gin.
• In 1729, 1736, 1743 and 1751, Parliament passed laws to try to control the gin trade.
• The 1751 Gin Act was the toughest. It introduced tight restrictions on who was allowed to sell gin, along with harsh punishments for anyone caught selling gin illegally.