Medieval Britain and the people's health, c.1250-c.1500 - OCR BThe role of monasteries in public health

Towns were often dirty and unhealthy places. This was certainly the case at the beginning of the medieval period, before town councils introduced more regulations. However, the Church set very high standards of cleanliness, so medieval monasteries were places of good public health.

Reasons for good public health in monasteries

• Having pure water was very important in a monastery. It was used to wash religious items such as silver cups, and for mixing with wine used during Mass.
• The Church was very wealthy. Abbeys and monasteries could afford to lay water pipes over long distances, as well as construct things like latrine buildings.
• Monasteries owned lots of land. They could bring in water through pipes on their own property.
• Monks and nuns believed that caring for the poor and sick was one of their most important duties as Christians.
• Monasteries were usually located in isolated areas, where it was easier to keep water clean and get rid of waste. They were not overcrowded like the towns.
• Monks and nuns were well educated and had access to texts that taught them about herbal remedies and healing techniques.

Features of public health in monasteries

• Infirmary or hospital - Monasteries often had an infirmary, where the monks or nuns cared for the sick from the local community.
• Dealing with waste - Most monasteries were built next to rivers. They also usually had drains and water pipes. They were generally designed so that rivers ran through them to help wash waste and dirt away, and so water could be used to flush the latrines. This in turn helped to stop disease.
• Wash houses - Most monasteries had wash houses. These were vital for keeping clean and helping to prevent illnesses that were spread by touch or by fleas, such as the plague.
• Stone buildings - Monasteries were usually high-quality stone buildings. These were much easier to keep clean than buildings made of wood, mud and straw. This in turn made it harder for disease to spread.
• Kitchen - Their wealth meant monks and nuns generally had a balanced diet and access to a variety of good food.