London

Women in the social life of a medieval town (based on the material of London in the 14th–15th centuries)

The article examines the place and role of women in the social life of London in the 14th–15th centuries based on the material of the original sources. It is shown that, despite the restrictions fixed by custom and laws on the social activity of women, the range of occupations of the townsmen –wives and widows – was unusually wide. It is craft and trade, including the right to take apprentices, real estate transactions, and financial deals. Women did not just help men in the craft or trade shops, but also worked independently.

Social Image of London of the 14th Century through the Wills

Authors: Bulaeva M. N.

The article on the material of wills examines the social side of the life of Londoners in the era of the late Plantagenets. The author finds out that the majority of testaments refers to a professional community: to merchants and mongers, to artisans and workers in the service sector, as well as to the nascent intelligentsia and administrative apparatus. These categories are disproportionate – the majority of testators belong to the merchants and craftsmen of the townspeople.

Crimes in London in the Middle of the XIV–XV Centuries

Authors: Bulaeva M. N.

The article is devoted to London crimes in late Medieval period. Various factors that influenced the manifestation of criminal inclinations among citizens are considered. From all of the crimes committed in London the author divided them into categories. The author pays special attention to the most socially dangerous and serious crimes: treason, rebellion and heresy.

London under the Tudors: Social Aspect (Based on the Wills)

Authors: Chernova L. N.

The article is devoted to the study of the social aspect of the life of Tudor London. On the material of the wills the author shows that the majority of the testators are artisans, small traders and merchants of the «Twelve Great Livery Companies» of London. Also, there are representatives of the service sector, gentry and the emerging intelligentsia. Among the recipients of the inheritance numerous church institutions of the city are mentioned. Some wills belong to women: wives or widows of merchants and artisans.

Crime in London at the Beginning of the 14th Century

Authors: Bulaeva M. N.

Some aspects of London`s criminality at the beginning of the XIV century are considered in this article based on the authentic material. The author reveals the factors which contributed to manifestation of crime as some kind of deviant behavior and presents classification of London`s crimes in 1305; the author also identifies social and professional composition of criminals and the types of punishments.