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5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 5
5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns. Feature 1 (b) Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives. You may use the fol... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe two features of life in medieval towns.
Answer
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Diverse Occupations: In medieval towns, people were employed in various occupations such as builders, blacksmiths, shopkeepers, and innkeepers. This diversity facilitated trade and crafts, contributing to the economic development of the towns.
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Crowded and Unsanitary Conditions: Towns were often crowded and lacked proper sanitation facilities. This led to the spread of disease, as close living quarters and the absence of sewage systems often resulted in unsanitary conditions.
Step 2
Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives.
Answer
The Interdict, a Church ruling that suspended religious services, significantly affected ordinary people's lives in several ways:
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Loss of Burials: With the Interdict in place, burials could not be conducted in consecrated grounds, leading to distress among families who could not provide proper rites for their deceased loved ones. This created a sense of spiritual despair, making people feel isolated from their faith.
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Cease of Holy Days: Holy Days, which were essential for community gatherings and celebrations, were interrupted. This not only affected people's social lives but also their spiritual well-being, as these days were often filled with religious observance and moral reflection.
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Personal and Community Anxiety: The overall uncertainty and fear associated with the lack of religious ceremonies resulted in increased anxiety among the populace. They felt vulnerable without the protection and guidance provided by the Church, which was a central authority in medieval life.
These factors combined to create a profound disruption in the daily lives of people, illustrating the authority of the Church over social and spiritual matters.