Question 1

What was daily life like for a medieval peasant?

Accepted Answer

Daily life for a medieval peasant revolved around farming. Most peasants lived in small villages and worked the lord's demesne for several days each week, plus their own strips in the open fields. They grew crops like wheat, barley, and oats, and kept animals such as pigs and chickens. Houses were simple one-room cottages with a hearth for cooking and heating. Diet was mostly bread, pottage (a vegetable stew), and ale. Life was hard—child mortality was high, and famine was a constant threat.

Question 2

How did the Black Death change medieval society?

Accepted Answer

The Black Death (1348–49) killed around a third of England's population, causing severe labour shortages. This gave surviving peasants more bargaining power—they demanded higher wages and better conditions. The government tried to freeze wages with the Statute of Labourers (1351), but it was hard to enforce. Many lords switched from arable farming to less labour-intensive sheep farming, which led to enclosure of common land. The shortage of workers also weakened serfdom, as peasants could run away and find work elsewhere.

Question 3

Why did the Peasants' Revolt happen in 1381?

Accepted Answer

The Peasants' Revolt was triggered by the Poll Tax of 1380, which taxed every adult equally, hitting the poor hardest. But there were deeper causes: resentment over the Statute of Labourers (which capped wages), the corruption of local officials, and the influence of radical preachers like John Ball, who asked, 'When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?' The revolt began in Essex and Kent, spread to London, and demanded an end to serfdom and fairer laws.

Question 4

What role did the Church play in medieval life?

Accepted Answer

The Church was central to medieval life. It provided spiritual guidance through masses, baptisms, and confession. The local priest was often the only educated person in the village. The Church also ran schools, hospitals, and gave alms to the poor. People paid tithes (10% of their income) to support the Church. The Church owned about a third of all land, and bishops and abbots were powerful lords. However, many people also feared the Church's teachings on sin and hell, which influenced their daily behaviour.

Question 5

What was the feudal system and how did it work?

Accepted Answer

Feudalism was a hierarchy based on land ownership and loyalty. At the top was the king, who granted land (fiefs) to his most important nobles (tenants-in-chief) in exchange for military service and taxes. These nobles sub-let land to lesser lords (knights), who in turn provided soldiers. At the bottom were peasants (villeins), who worked the land and owed labour, rent, and other dues to their lord. In return, they received protection and a plot to farm for themselves. This system created a rigid social order that lasted for centuries.

Question 6

How did towns develop in medieval England?

Accepted Answer

Towns grew as trade and commerce revived after the Norman Conquest. Many were chartered by the king or a lord, giving them rights to hold markets and collect tolls. Towns offered freedom—if a serf lived in a town for a year and a day, they became free. Key towns included London, York, and Bristol. They were centres for crafts (e.g., weaving, blacksmithing) and trade, often organised into guilds that controlled quality and prices. Town life was crowded and unsanitary, but offered more opportunities than village life.

Life in Medieval England

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in AQA GCSE History

A revolution in medicine

America, 1840–1895: Expansion and consolidation

America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality

American people and the 'Boom'

How to Revise Life in Medieval England — AQA GCSE History

Examiner Tips for Life in Medieval England

Common Mistakes in Life in Medieval England

Key Marking Points