History // Medieval Times

Towns & Trade

The growth of medieval towns: markets, guilds, the merchant class; how towns won charters of self-governance; the shift from purely rural to partly urban life

Ages
9 to 11
Type
Concept
Builds on
2 topics
Leads to
2 topics

Quick check

Could the learner explain why medieval towns grew and how the rise of markets and guilds changed the way people lived and worked?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Describe how medieval towns were different from villages (markets, walls, guilds, more people)
  • Explain what a guild was and why it mattered for tradespeople
  • Describe one way towns changed medieval society (new merchant class, more freedom for townspeople)

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

2 topics
  • Medieval Pyramid of PowerRequired

    Medieval Times // Ages 7 to 9

    Must understand feudal rural society before grasping the significance of urban growth

  • The CrusadesHelpful

    Medieval Times // Ages 7 to 9

    Crusades stimulated trade which fuelled town growth

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Towns & Trade

Ages 9 to 11 // Concept

Leads to

2 topics

History // Medieval Times

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