Medieval Childhood in Britain: Care, Ritual, and Risk

The episode peels back the layers of early medieval family life to reveal how parents nurtured, named, and disciplined their children despite high mortality rates. Drawing on parish ledgers, burial records, and guild contracts, it shows that medieval households took practical measures—from birth girdles to apprenticeship agreements—to manage the everyday risks faced by boys and girls. The discussion also examines the social and class differences in education and responsibility for young people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices