GCSE > History > Pearson IGCSE > GCSE History: Medicine and Health in Britain (1000-Present) Topic Summaries > Medieval medicine > Medieval public health
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Summary table
  • 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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