The medieval era is often associated with dynastic struggles, gruesome
wars and the formidable influence of the Church. But what about the
everyday experience of the royal subjects and common people? Here,
alongside the coronations, diplomatic dealings and key battles, can be
found the fabric of medieval life as it was really lived, in its folk
songs, recipes and local gossip. With a diverse range of entries - one
for each day of the year - historian Toni Mount provides an almanac for
lovers of all things medieval. A detailed picture is gathered from
original sources such as chronicles, manor court rolls, coroners' rolls
and the records of city councils. We learn not only of the royals and
nobles of official history but also the quarrels of a miscellany of
characters, including William and Christopher of York, Nalle Kittewritte
who stole her neighbours' washing, and Margery from Hereford who was
murdered by an Oxford student. The world in which they laboured, loved
and lived is vividly reimagined, one day at a time.