Wives and Widows of Medieval London
Author: Anne F. Sutton
Publisher:
Published: 2016
Total Pages: 390
ISBN-13: 9781907730573
DOWNLOAD EBOOK →Here are ten substantial essays, plus an introduction, by the well-known historian and editor of 'The Ricardian', Anne Sutton, on women in medieval London. The book is thoroughly footnoted and indexed and there is a bibliography. The women in these studies, and their husbands, came from all over England to make their fortunes in London. Many trades and crafts, from pewterers, ironmongers, clothiers, and mercers, to the clerk of the king's council, are represented, but the silkwomen are the most numerous. The persistent historiographical problem of the 'femme sole' is addressed. The emphasis is on women who married several times, their wealth sought by men ambitious for the highest civic offices, who in turn could offer the role of lady mayoress. As widows these women bought and managed properties, ran businesses, founded chantries, dispensed charity, often while bringing up their grandchildren and children of other women. Their multiple marriages created complex networks of families within the parish and company structures of London. The period covered is the 1130s to the 1530s. The book contains several family trees.--amazon.com.