Care of the Elderly and Celebration of Souls in Medieval Suffolk

It is always a pleasure to listen to Kate Jewel give a talk and her latest offering ‘Care of the Elderly and Celebration of Souls in Medieval Suffolk ‘ was very much enjoyed by members who had braved the cold to come to the meeting.

Between the 13^th and 16^th centuries, old age began at 45! Those who worked on the land would keep going as long as possible but it was possible to make provision for your old age. Most people worked for the Lord of the Manor and any requests they made would be recorded in the Manorial Rolls. From those sources, Kate told us of contracts between fathers and sons to carry on working the same piece of land which included requests for care in return.  Such things as ‘a room at the end of the house’, ‘food per week’, clothing and ‘a place by the fire’ if written in the contract were legal requirements. ‘Winter fuel allowance’ was mentioned too – some things don’t change! Contracts were  witnessed  and penalties paid if terms were broken.

It was also possible for wealthier people to be looked after in a Monastery or Nunnery without taking Holy Orders. This could be as simple as having a meal every day, or it could be complete care. These were known as corrodies.

As life was short, people were preoccupied with death and the afterlife and Kate showed us a wonderful painting from Wenhaston Church  of the last judgement with the good going to heaven and the bad to hell. Most churches had a painting like this to remind the congregation that their behaviour had consequences in the afterlife.

For those who could afford it, funerals required many prayers, the tolling of bells, torch bearers  and alms for the poor to speed a soul through purgatory. Food at a funeral was very important as the more people who came meant more prayers. One month after death and one year after there would be church services and more prayers, very lucrative for the church!

Although this seems a depressing subject, Kate’s knowledge and enthusiasm made it a most enjoyable evening.