Medieval public health

Medieval towns were built near rivers for easier access to water and transport. However, many people through their waste into the streets, which would travel into the water system.
Most towns had privies with cesspits underneath to collect sewage. These were dug out annually by gong farmers.
Some town councils tried to keep the environment clean, passing local laws encouraging people to remove their rubbish, but this was difficult to enforce. For example, in 1388, a £20 fine was introduced for throwing ‘dung garbage’.
Christian monasteries and abbeys were often situated in isolated areas, but still close to rivers with piping and filtering systems to deliver pure water.
- The isolation and religious routines of cleanliness helped to protect monks from epidemics, such as the plague.
- These were very wealthy buildings, as many people gave money and donations, allowing monks to build good sanitation facilities.
- Monks were educated, had access to books, bathed often, and lived fairly isolated lives. The sanitation and monks’ knowledge meant conditions were better in these areas.

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