Medieval
14th/15th century glazed pottery jug
Have fun in the centre of the gallery by putting your friends and family in the stocks, whilst learning about town life in the Middle Ages.
Medieval St Albans town life centred around the market, which by 1287 was held on Wednesday and Saturday, even as it is today. Thirteenth century documents record the trading areas of the market, which included butchers, fleshambles, fishambles, maltcheping, wheatcheping, the leather market, haymarket, pudding market and the cordwainers’ (cobblers’) row.
In the late 13th century, the townspeople struggled for independence from the Abbey and there were many disputes so there is no surprise that St Albans was involved in the Peasants Revolt of 1381.
As a symbol of independence, the town built its own clocktower in 1402-3, which still stands today. Visits to the top of the tower, with its fine view of the city, can be made during summer Sundays.
