Premium Essay

Entertainment In Medieval England

Submitted By
Words 1027
Pages 5
Without the newest IPhone or flat screen TV to entertain the people of medieval England had to use much more basic things to keep themselves occupied. Many of the things they found fun would not have the same classifications by todays population. They played many different game types like Card Games, Board Games, Dice Games, Sporting Games and Children's games. The games that they played were early versions of many of the same games we play now a day. For example, they played versions of chess, backgammon, and Knucklebones, an early type of dice game. Compared to the games we play today their games to be based more off of strategy. Many of the outdoor activities or sports they played are the same ones that we play today. Some of these sports …show more content…
Musical entertainment was also a large thing in this time period. The instruments they played varied but most commonly played were violins, drums, harps, lutes, organs, citoles, psalteries, flutes and horns. Singing was a big part of church services but unlike today they sang without the addition of instruments. Monks and priests often chanted or sang as a part of their service. It was rare a church had any instruments at all but if they did it was mostly going to be a bell or organ. Plays began to become a bigger thing starting in the church. People would act out verses from the bible so that the audience would have a better understanding on what was going on. They started being performed at in front of the church than shifted to be at the marketplace. There would be more people to watch at the market than there would be in the church. Even though many people would make the quick assumption that entertainment is very different today than it was in medieval England, it seems to appear the exact opposite. Many of the games and activities they did are earlier versions of the things we are doing today. Without these people doing the things they did we may have a very different lifestyle …show more content…
They may not look the same in each society but the break down will always be there. It is very simple low income and high income people just do not live similar lifestyles. In the medieval times class was often ranked on whether you were royalty or not. The royal class is the highest class you can be in. This class includes Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses. The royal class had all of the political and economic power during this time period. The king had the most of power out of any one. His job was to make laws and try to rid of poverty to the best of his abilities. The king’s jobs were similar to the jobs of the president in current society. Even though a queen could not rule by herself she still did many important jobs. They often were second in command to the king and could take over responsibility if the king became too ill to work. For the princes, you did not really get to do anything until your father died. And unless you were the eldest son it was unlikely you would ever rise to power. Princesses would never really get much power unless there were no sons in the family. Most commonly they were married off to princes from other countries. They did this to ensure lasting good relationships with other countries. The next step down from royals was the Nobility. This is the class with the most power in this time period. They had power either through blood relations or those who were able to get power without

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Stories

...Medieval life The Middle-Ages was not only sad and hard, well for some it was. Indeed they also had holidays, and played games like chess or more physical games. If you’d like to know more, well then keep on reading! Games and entertainment When the hard working people from the middle ages could allow themselves a break, they liked to play games. A lot of the pople from back then liked to play chess. They didn't only played the classic chess, because if they would play a simpler version they played with dice. Dice were easy to carry around and dice chess were even played among the clergy. Children often played games like blind's mans bluff, prisoner's base, furthermore they wrestled , swam and fished, or play a game that was a cross between handball and tennis. The Medieval knight's practiced gymnastics and running foot races. If the castle would allowed it, the villagers would go for hunting in the sourrounding forests, in fact Hawks were trained to hunt game birds, and every castle had a falconer. Holidays and Celebartions. Just like nowadays there were holidays and celebrations in the middle ages. Christmas was the most important celebration and indeed the longest vacation was in the christmas period. The two week period from Christmas eve to the Twelth Day (6th January) was the longest vacations for the workers. Christmas was a time for exchanging gifts. The servants gave the lord of the castle eggs, and in exchange the lord provide his servants with dinner, also...

Words: 487 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Medieval Queen Research Paper

...The Medieval era, or Middle Ages, refers to the time between the fall of the Roman Empire in 476, to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Kings and Queens are a trademark of the Medieval era. A queen is a female ruler, or companion of a ruler, of a monarchy. The Queen can act as an advisor for their king or be a regent, backup, for kings that are too sick or young to rule. The structured and traditional life of a queen sets them apart from other nobility in the feudal system. Queens were an important part of the Medieval feudal system with a definitive role in society that enabled them to run their kingdoms. Kings and queens are often associated due to role that queens play in assisting their sons or husbands run the kingdom. The Queen can stand in as the “king” until a legitimate heir can assume the throne. In the case of a sick king, queens stand in as temporary rulers, or regent. “I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.”-Elizabeth I Kings and...

Words: 778 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Last Knight Book Review

...fascinates people a lot, mostly during the times of Chivalry. The Arthurian legends and the chivalry poetry encouraged most authors to write fictional or entertainment books. Some of which are romantic books, while some are for leisure. Indeed, the early work of the past writers gives a lot of historical information to write about the present happenings from a life of Europeans (Hülsmann, 2007). For instance, the history of Errol Flynn's Prince Edward and the Black Knight contains a lot of historical records to talk. In essence, most writers today borrow some of their literature work from these fantasies such as the Knights and life of the medieval when they read the historical realities or fictions. However, in most cases they do not realize that the work they are writing on presently already recorded in the past. This premise forms the main objective or value why Norman F. Cantor wrote his book named "The Last Knight." Cantor wrote the book for anyone who may want to develop a solid concept of life during the prehistorical time (Morgan, 2012). Cantor used a key figure, Gaunt John, in continuous snapshots based on medieval life. In his work, Cantor succeeded to sideline the psychological baggage mostly got from movies, fictional tales and the comic strips, Prince Valiant. John of Gaunt was an eminent person in England towards the end of the middle ages. Regardless of his position, whose son came to throw over his nephew from the regime following protest from Gaunt, he was...

Words: 814 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Literature As An Art Form

...In the late 11th century the Middle English began with Norman Conquest of England. At the late 15th century the early Modern English began with the introduction printing press to London. Through the influence of the British Empire, the language has spread around the world since the 17th century. The old English literature is also called as Anglo – Saxon literature C. 450 – 1066. The literature was written in old English in Anglo – Saxon England, in the period after the settlement of the Saxons and other Germanic tribes in England. Many argues are goes with there work first work to know the years. The Anglo – Saxon chronicle is a collection of annals is old English from 9th century. Epic poems are very popular and the work Beowulf was the most famous work in old English. Oral tradition was very strong in early English culture. It’s composition between early periods of 11th century. Anglo-Saxon authors are anonymous. Twelve are known by their name from sources of medieval but only four are known by their vernacular works. In Anglo – Saxon several old English are adaptations of late...

Words: 921 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

University Wits

...During the 16th century English drama settled into a regular entertainment. The stage offered massive opportunities for the dramatists, but it remained in a state of chaos. In the 1580s group of playwrights, who had their education either from Oxford or Cambridge, stepped into the theatre as professional playwrights and reformed it for once and all. They are known as University Wits. The group includes—John Lyly, George Peele, Robert Greene, Thomas Lodge, Thomas Kyd and Marlowe. With their professionalism, while they rescued English drama from the medieval mire of religion, they also paved the way for Shakespeare. John Lyly was the leader of the group. His receptive mind was hospitable to the more delicate graces of literature. In a series of witty comedies –Campaspe, Sapho and Phao, Endymion, Midas he addressed Elizabeth in delicate flattery praising by turn the charms of the chastity of the woman, the chastity of the virgin, the majority of the queen. It was Lyly who was largely responsible for the first elaboration of romantic sentiment. Lyly wrote in Euphuistic prose, artificial in structure and language, but refined in manner, witty and graceful. Lyly’s plays with their sparkle and courtly air the first artistic plays. They made ready the way for Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It. Like Lyly, George Peele he flattered Elizabeth in his graceful pastoral, The arraignment of Paris. He used the same ornate manner in his scripture...

Words: 847 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Anchorite Paper

...Book and Film Contemporary Segment: I An Analysis of Warren’s Anchorites and Their Patrons in Medieval England And Newby’s Historical Drama the Anchoress Anchoritism, a tradition where individuals voluntarily relinquish their freedom for an eternity of solidarity in the confinement of a cell, is arguably one of the most shocking traditions of medieval England. It is the modern reaction of bewilderment and even horror that a person could elect such a fate that manifests the immense cultural difference from the medieval era to our own. Through her historical assessment, Ann K. Warren sheds light on the factors that have generated this perplexing phenomenon. A predominant argument that can be drawn through the analysis of Warren’s writing is the notion of sacrifice as means to salvation. “Medieval England was an environment in which individuals chose to become religious recluses in order to assure their own salvation.” (17) The cell of enclosure was equated with a prison into which the anchorite propelled himself for fear of hell and for love of Christ. The eternal punishment of hell might be escaped by the lifetime refusal of escape from the anchorhold. Therefore, by sacrificing the freedoms of the outside world and fighting against perpetual temptations of desire, a “union with Christ could be achieved in this life.” (93) In order to fully experience the “high” of salvation, one must first know the “low” of suffering. The internalization of these “psychological rewards”...

Words: 1693 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Life In Medieval Times

...When we enjoy entertainment or festivals that celebrate medieval life and times, it is the life of royalty, traveling bards, monks of knights that are most often the focus of our attention. Few of us would want to celebrate the lives of peasants and surfs during the middle ages. There is good reason for that. There was little to celebrate about the harsh life poor people endured during this time in history. For the poor, the dark ages really did not end in the way that it did for wealthy landowners, merchants and high ranking clergy during medieval times. It is not an exaggeration that the life of peasants was a constant struggle to survive. That struggle meant a daily life of hard work, harsh taxes and a lifestyle that was filthy and...

Words: 1004 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Medieval Cities Research Paper

...Medieval cities consisted of small, compact houses. In order to conserve land, the homes built within the city were usually two stories high. Consisting of a shop on the ground floor and a living space above, local materials such as earth, wood and thatch would be used to build these homes. Because of the fire hazard these materials created, some towns started to regulate how town houses were built. Mason walls and tile or slate roofs were to be used rather than the flammable materials. There was a market square, which was an open area that housed the town hall, the main church and various shops and the market stalls. The cities were usually surrounded by walls and moats filled with water. A bridge ran across the moat to the city gates. The city gates made it easy to collect taxes from visitors and locals, because everyone had to pass through a gate to enter or leave Expansion of a medieval city was limited by its protective surrounding walls, but it was this confinement that also increased the threat of fire and spread diseases....

Words: 587 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Northhamption

...about Northampton in England. For other places of the same name, see Northampton (disambiguation). Northampton | Town, borough and non-metropolitan district | From top left: Skyline of Northampton town centre from Delapre Park; All Saints' Church; Northampton Guildhall; the National Lift Tower; Delapré Abbey; Abington Park; Market Square. | Northampton shown within Northamptonshire | Coordinates: 52°13′49″N 0°53′38″W | Sovereign state | United Kingdom | Constituent country | England | Region | East Midlands | Ceremonial county | Northamptonshire | Admin HQ | Northampton Guildhall | Town charter | 1189 | Incorporated | 1835 | Government |  • Type | Non-metropolitan district |  • Governing body | Northampton Borough Council |  • Leader | David Mackintosh (Con) |  • Mayor | John Caswell (Con) |  • MPs | Brian Binley (Con) Michael Ellis (Con) Andrea Leadsom (Con) | Area |  • Total | 31.18 sq mi (80.76 km2) | Population (2011 est.) |  • Total | 212,500 (Ranked 73rd) |  • Density | 6,810/sq mi (2,631/km2) |  • Ethnicity | 84.5% White 6.4% South Asian 5.1% Black 3.2% Mixed Race 0.3% Arab 0.5% Other | Demonym | Northamptonian | Time zone | GMT (UTC0) |  • Summer (DST) | BST (UTC+1) | Postcode area | NN1—NN6 | Area code(s) | 01604 | ISO 3166-2 | GB-NTH | ONS code | 34UF (ONS) E07000154 (GSS) | NUTS 3 | UKF24 | Website | northampton.gov.uk | Northampton i/nɔrˈθæmptən/ is the county town of Northamptonshire in the East Midlands of England. It lies on the River...

Words: 10934 - Pages: 44

Premium Essay

Geoffrey Chaucer Research Paper

...The medieval and middle literature periods included writings in old english, and Anglo-Norman through middle English, the increasing length of poetry and prose, with strong religious influences during times of change. The Medieval time period is between the fifth and fifteenth century. At the start of this era was the falling of the great Roman Empire and it continued into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Germanic tribes took over. The classic Beowulf was written during the rising of the Germanic tribes and is still read by many today. Following the Germans was the Vikings. Then finally in 1066, the Norman Conquest happened. The Duke of Normandy invaded Britain and took the Anglo-Saxons’ land...

Words: 1718 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Theatre Arts

...Definition and Beginnings of Theatre Arts Theatre or theater is a branch of the performing arts. While any performance may be considered theatre, as a performing art, it focuses almost exclusively on live performers creating a self contained drama. A performance qualifies as dramatic by creating a representational illusion. By this broad definition, theatre had existed since the dawn of man, as a result of the human tendency for storytelling. Since its inception, theatre has come to take on many forms, utilizing speech, gesture, music, dance, and spectacle, combining the other performing arts, often as well as the visual arts, into a single artistic form. The word theatre means "place for seeing". The first recorded theatrical event was a performance of the sacred plays of the myth of Osiris and Isis in 2500 BC in Egypt. This story of the god Osiris was performed annually at festivals throughout the civilization, marking the beginning of a long relationship between theatre and religion. Elements and Principle of Theatre Arts There are six elements necessary for theatre: Plot, Character, Idea, Language, Music, and Spectacle. Script/Text, Scenario, Plan:  This is the starting point of the theatrical performance.  The element most often considered as the domain of the playwright in theatre. The playwright’s script is the text by which theatre is created.  It can be simplistic, as in the 16thcentury, with the scenarios used by the acting troupes of the Commedia dell’ arte...

Words: 1025 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Music in Western Civilization in 20th Century

...Music in western civilization in 20th century Music is defined as sounds that are arranged in a particular pattern in which when played are exciting to hear or listen to. Music is commonly used as a form or relaxation and entertainment. The chronology of music started way back in the period of the medieval times when the chanting was introduced into most of the catholic churches. Music then had moved through the following stages up to until the modern day music (Burkholder, Grout & Palisca 2010, p. 276). It originated in the medieval era then moved to the renaissance, baroque, classical music which ushered in the romantic music which in turn paved way to the modern music and hence the contemporary music of the 20th century. Medieval music traces back to times when music was only done to kings and queens or generally the royal people. It later found its way to liturgical platforms where the music was introduced to the Roman Catholic churches as this time Christianity was real emerging. During this time many musical artists were priests or members of the clergy. As the music entered the renaissance era the printing media had already been established. There emerged a class of composers from the western nations of for instance France Belgium Netherlands etc. Music in this era had become strong with especially the use of instruments. This included the a cappella. As the music moved on to the baroque era it had started to be used to bring a certain mood. The music composers used...

Words: 1477 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

How Did Shakespeare Change Over Time

...William Shakespeare is a well-known play writer and actor for when Queen Elizabeth the first, was the queen of England. Everyone knows who William Shakespeare is! He is very famous for his most popular play Romeo and Juliet. Such a tragic love story which still is recreated into movies today. The words and setting may have changed over the course of the years of the play, but the true meaning of his astonishing plays may never change over the years. Our time compared to his time has many similarities and differences. The world changes over a period of a time but there are some unique things that might just stay put. During the time of William Shakespeare, many controversies have been noticed. In the time of Queen Elizabeth, theater was...

Words: 399 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Tudors, 'The Act Of Treason'

...Most people take their favorite television shows with a grain of salt. They only see what is on the surface, which is the entertainment aspect of the show. Aside from children’s and documentaries aired late at night, it could be hard to imagine what one can learn from television. For example, The Tudors can be used to gain academic knowledge based on the representation of factual events that truly happened in the past, which can be used for psychological teachings. One can visually and audibly learn different human traits despite the fact that the place setting for the show was so far in the past. The love of gossiping, the need to get ahead in life, the power of love, the fear of change, and a need to leave a lasting impression on the world...

Words: 1145 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Poems

... Caedmon [pic] Image copy of Cædmon's Hymn in the "Moore" manuscript (737), Cambridge, Kk.5.16, f. 128v, written in Northumbrian. This is the earliest known version of this work. Cædmon ( /ˈkædmən/ or /ˈkædmɒn/) is the earliest English poet whose name is known. An Anglo-Saxon herdsman attached to the double monastery of Streonæshalch (Whitby Abbey) during the abbacy ((657–80) of St. Hilda (614–680), he was originally ignorant of "the art of song" but learned to compose one night in the course of a dream, according to the 8th-century monk Bede. He later became a zealous monk and an accomplished and inspirational religious poet. Cædmon is one of twelve Anglo-Saxon poets identified in medieval sources, and one of only three for whom both roughly contemporary biographical information and examples of literary output have survived. His story is related in the Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum ("Ecclesiastical History of the English People") by Bede who wrote, "there was in the Monastery of this Abbess a certain brother particularly remarkable for the Grace of God, who was wont to make religious verses, so that whatever was interpreted to him out of scripture, he soon after put the same into poetical expressions of much sweetness and humility in English, which was his native language. By his verse the minds of many were often excited to despise the world, and to aspire to heaven." Cædmon's only known surviving work is Cædmon's...

Words: 3749 - Pages: 15