'How Were Markets and Fairs an Important Part of Medieval Life\r'

'Lesly Kurian 8 June 2007 â€Å"First of in entirely, there are the hucksters who handle food to the public, the beer grappleers, the publi flowerpots, and then the weavers. Not far cancel lead are the drapers, and then the parchment sellers’ pitch. Then the distribute space where they sell uncured skins and wool…hither comes the mountain leading the animals- cows, oxen, ewes and slovenly persons, and men selling horses, the exceed you can deprave, mares, foals, and palfreys, suitable for counts and kings. ” Many multitude 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 workaday life because nearly of the items people bought there, they couldn’t grow or yield themselves. People besides made a living by selling goods there. Going to markets overly gave people a chance to see goods produced in separate townsfolks (MacDonald 8). Marke ts were held once a week and usually lasted for a day or two (9). Since many towns were build near rivers, merchants could easily come to them and ascertain up stalls and tents (Grant). In the center of town, there was a large space for stalls to be set up. In wealthy towns, markets were held in grand halls or c everywhereed by a canvas pileus from the weather.In the market, officials checked and measured items and identified fake currency (Mac Donald 9). Merchants sold an incredible variety of items for casual life; food, utensils, tools, clothing, art, and combs (â€Å"Markets and Fairs”, MacDonald 8). Rich merchants set up stalls to sell these items. However, peasants who came to sell their goods couldn’t afford stalls, so they were labored to display on the ground. Even worse, they had to pay a tax if they displayed on the ground (â€Å"Markets and Fairs”)! Superstitions were strong in markets too!In a typical market, a cross or holy statue was placed i n the center to protect customers from any danger (MacDonald 9)! Eventually, merchants started see and trading in other areas. By the twelfth century, many became jobrs and used ships on batch routes (Langley 46). nigh traders used ships because they could carry large loads all over a long distance versus carts on roadstead (Grant, MacDonald 11). Items usually transported on ships were wool, metals, timber, oil, come one, and salt (â€Å"Markets and Fairs”). As trade increased, major castles and cities became wealthy. New towns were created during the High centre Ages because of this huge wealth.Some even became independent of a lord or king’s rule by nonrecreational him a tax (Langley 48). As new towns were created, the creation grew and some towns grew into major cities, like Paris, Venice, London, and Florence. The increase of trade in addition provided jobs for many and helped spread ideas around the world. Cities lots became contacts and allies because of this (MacDonald 10). One group of contacts was called the Hanseatic League. It linked over 100 towns with each other. This group dominated Federal European trade from the 13th to the 15th centuries (Pierre and Sabbagh 54, Grant).Trading among towns led way to fairs. Fairs were very special occasions because people got to look at and buy foreign and pricey 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 socio-economic class on a saint’s scatter 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 swan their animals (MacDonald 9). Traders from many different lands sold specialty items at fairs.Valuable furs, such as lynx and leopard, were popular. People to a fault took interest in special foods like pig meat and onions. Tools and weapons were also available (Pierre and Sabbagh 54). Ente rtainment 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 who would win a fight; wrestlers and dogs against bears and cockfights were popular (â€Å"Markets and Fairs”). Refreshments, especially during unrecorded 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 contend in the 15th century (Pierre and Sabbagh 54). As anyone can see, markets and fairs during Medieval Times were an important part of daily life. They provided needed items for life and occasional luxuries, too. However, not everyone comprehended markets and fairs. Preachers often complained that fairs were held on holy days so people would s hop instead of pray!They also believed that markets and fairs were places that people sinned the most; cursing, boasting, lying and arguing all happened there (MacDonald 9). Imagine that! Bibliography Grant, Neil. Everyday Life in Medieval Europe. North Mankato, MN: Smart apple Media, 2001. Langley, Andrew. Medieval Life. New 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. â€Å"Markets and Fairs” N/A. Online. http://www. xtec. es/crle/02/middle_ages/alumne/index. htm. 20 May 2007.\r\n'