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Portrayal of the common person during the Wars of the Roses
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Domestic medicine & midwifery

  
             
 

We are keen to dispel some of the myths surrounding medieval medicine, particularly that available to the ordinary person. At events we can describe the state of 15thC English medicine - explaining the medical theories of the day as understood by each level of medical practitioner. Medieval medicine is neither a precursor to our modern medicine, nor a simplistic, primitive system.

We can also give practical demonstrations of the production of domestic medical remedies (poultices, ointments etc), all using 15thC recipes, NOT general folk medicine or modern homeopathy.

 
   
             
  Image of medieval medicine pots   This is usually provided as part of a domestic scenario, but if medicine is wanted in a military event, it is possible to adapt the scenario so that a local woman can be on hand to treat wounds gained during training. A battlefield surgeon would be a man, and our medical demonstrator is female!  
 
[click here for a recipe]
      
         
  Vicky has given a talk to a group of young archaeologists on medieval medicine, including a practical 'hands-on' session. She has also participated in a couple of 'Medicine through the Ages' type events, both at Donington-Le-Heath Manor House, Leicestershire, and in 'first person' at the National Army Museum, London. Vicky also performs a midwife/sick-nurse 'Tale'.    
             
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