What was life like in medieval London?

London changed a lot during the medieval period. From the 600s to 800s London was located in the west, where Covent Garden is today. At the end of the 800s people moved back into the old Roman town due to increased Viking raids. The old town had the remains of a wall around it and people felt safer there. At this time London’s population was about 8,000 people. By 1300 London was both the largest and wealthiest city in England. By the middle of the 1500s it had grown to about 120,000 people and had spread out in all directions outside the old city walls.
  1. Introduction (this page)
  2. What were houses like in medieval London?
  3. Was religion important in everyday life?
  4. What was life like for poor Londoners?
  5. What was life like for rich Londoners?
  6. What was life like for children in medieval London?
  7. Further information

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