How Were Markets and Fairs an Important Part of Medieval Life

Lesly Kurian 8 June 2007 First of all, there are the hucksters who dispense nutrient to the public, the beer sellers, the publicans, and then the weavers. Not far off are the drapers, and then the lambskin sellers pitch. Then the open space where they sell uncured skins and wool present comes the good deal leading the animals- cows, oxen, ewes and hogs, and men selling horses, the best you can buy, mares, foals, and palfreys, desirable for counts and kings. Many great deal came to buy items from markets and fairs, including the 13th century poet who described a typical market (Pierre and Sabbagh 54).Markets were important to day by day life because most of the items people bought there, they couldnt grow or make themselves. People also make a living by selling goods there. Going to markets also gave people a chance to see goods produced in other towns (MacDonald 8). Markets were held once a week and usually lasted for a day or two (9). Since umpteen towns were built near ri vers, merchants could easily come to them and set up stable and tents (Grant). In the center of town, there was a long space for stalls to be set up. In wealthy towns, markets were held in grand halls or covered by a canvas roof from the weather.In the market, officials checked and heedful items and identified fake money (Mac Donald 9). Merchants sold an incredible variety of items for routine life food, utensils, tools, clothing, art, and combs (Markets and Fairs, MacDonald 8). Rich merchants set up stalls to sell these items. However, peasants who came to sell their goods couldnt afford stalls, so they were forced to display on the ground. scour worse, they had to pay a tax if they displayed on the ground (Markets and Fairs) Superstitions were strong in markets tooIn a typical market, a cross or holy statue was placed in the center to protect customers from any insecurity (MacDonald 9) Eventually, merchants started visiting and trading in other areas. By the 12th century, some an(prenominal) became traders and used ships on trade routes (Langley 46). Most traders used ships because they could carry magnanimous loads over a long distance versus carts on roadstead (Grant, MacDonald 11). Items usually transported on ships were wool, metals, timber, oil, wine, and salt (Markets and Fairs). As trade increased, major castles and cities became wealthy. sensitive towns were created during the High Middle Ages because of this immense wealth.Some even became independent of a noble or kings rule by paying him a tax (Langley 48). As new towns were created, the population grew and some towns grew into major cities, alike(p) Paris, Venice, London, and Florence. The increase of trade also provided jobs for many and helped spread ideas around the world. Cities a lot became contacts and allies because of this (MacDonald 10). One group of contacts was called the Hanseatic League. It linked over 100 towns with severally other. This group dominated Northern Europ ean trade from the 13th to the fifteenth centuries (Pierre and Sabbagh 54, Grant).Trading among towns led way to fairs. Fairs were very special occasions because people got to reckon at and buy foreign and expensive items not sold at markets (MacDonald 9). They gave people a chance to take a break from daily life and enjoy themselves. They were held once a social class on a saints feast day (Langley 54). Fairs were usually located on the outskirts of town because there was enough grassland for traders to set up their tents and graze their animals (MacDonald 9). Traders from many different lands sold specialty items at fairs.Valuable furs, such as catamount and leopard, were popular. People also took interest in special foods like pig meat and onions. Tools and weapons were also available (Pierre and Sabbagh 54). Entertainment and refreshments was also a large part of fairs. Jugglers, stunts men, acrobats and musicians performed there. Gambling was also part of fairs. Men bet on wh o would win a fight wrestlers and dogs against bears and cockfights were popular (Markets and Fairs). Refreshments, especially during hot weather, were enjoyable. Bakers and brewers served pies, or chewets, and beer (Langley 54).There was special fair called the Fairs of Champagne, in France. It went on throughout the whole year without stop. Merchants, traders, and customers alike all flocked there to sell and buy goods. Unfortunately, it ended during fight in the 15th century (Pierre and Sabbagh 54). As anyone can see, markets and fairs during Medieval measure were an important part of daily life. They provided needed items for life and occasional luxuries, too. However, not everyone appreciated markets and fairs. Preachers often complained that fairs were held on holy days so people would shop instead of prayThey also believed that markets and fairs were places that people sinned the most cursing, boasting, trickery and arguing all happened there (MacDonald 9). Imagine that Bi bliography Grant, Neil. Everyday Life in Medieval Europe. North Mankato, MN Smart Apple Media, 2001. Langley, Andrew. Medieval Life. new-sprung(prenominal) York Alfred A. Knopf, 1996. MacDonald, Fiona. Town Life. North Mankato, MN Smart Apple Media 2005. Pierre, Michel and Morgan-Antoine Sabbagh. Europe in the Middle Ages. Englewood Cliffs, NJ Silver Burdett Press, 1998. N/A. Markets and Fairs N/A. Online. http//www. xtec. es/crle/02/middle_ages/alumne/index. htm. 20 May 2007.