Meet the Middle Ages
BackThe Church in the medieval town
In the medieval towns there were many churches. There was often a large cathedral with high spires which could be seen above all the other buildings in town. In most towns there were also several larger or smaller churches, as well as monasteries and nunneries. The church buildings were always dedicated to a special saint and bones or other relics from this saint were often kept in a shrine inside the church. The feast days of the saints were celebrated every year with music and processions.
Masses and daily prayers were said at the church. The Mass on an ordinary Sunday lasted for about 40 minutes. Much of it was said or sung in Latin, but if there was a sermon, it was delivered in Swedish in Sweden, in Danish in Denmark and so on. When there were gatherings or meetings in town, a lot of people went to church to attend a ceremonial service. In the churches of the larger towns, the King could dub young noblemen knights.
The church was very important to medieval people. It was a part of life, from the cradle to the grave. At church, you were christened and married, and you went there to listen to the sermons. Because of their Christian faith, people had a shared view of life and how to live.
The clergy took part in daily life as well. The Church was responsible for taking care of the poor and sick, as well as for the schools and keeping lodgings for travellers.