Childhood in medieval England facts for kids
Childhood in Medieval England was a mix of fun and growing up. It wasn't quite like childhood today. Back then, your age and your family's social class decided a lot. People believed childhood lasted from birth until you turned 12 years old. At 12, you were seen as old enough to understand your actions. This meant you were responsible for what you did. Girls could legally marry at 12, and boys at 14, though this was not common for everyone.
Contents
The First Year of Life
The first year of life was very risky in Medieval England. Sadly, about half of all babies didn't survive their first year. They often got sick and couldn't recover. During this time, babies were cared for by their parents. If a family was poor, the mother usually nursed the baby herself. If the family was rich or noble, they might hire a special nurse called a wet nurse to feed and care for the baby.
Growing Up: Ages Seven to Eleven
When children reached age seven, playing was still a big part of their lives. But as they grew, so did their responsibilities. Children started learning to help out more with family duties. If a family could afford it, seven was also the age when formal schooling might begin. Children from peasant families or those living in towns started helping around the house. They learned important skills for their future lives.
Becoming a Teenager: Ages 12–14
By age 12, children began to take on more serious roles. They had more duties within their families. Although girls could legally marry at 12, it was rare unless they were very rich or from a noble family. Most peasant children stayed home at this age. They continued to learn skills for farming and running a household.
Children in towns often left home around this age. They might move in with an employer or a master. This happened if they were going to become servants or apprentices. Apprentices learned a trade, like baking or shoemaking. Noble boys learned how to fight and use weapons. Noble girls learned how to manage a large household. Childhood officially ended when a young person left home. This could be to start a job, go to a university, or join the church.
See also
- Childhood in Scotland in the Middle Ages
- Childhood in the Viking Age
Sources
- Szarmach, Paul, M. Teresa Tavormina and Joel Rosenthal, "Children and Childhood." Medieval England: An Encyclopedia 3. New York & London: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1998 (print).
