Medieval Names in England

During the medieval period, literacy rates varied greatly across different areas of Western and Central Europe. In northern England, the illiteracy rate among the gentry decreased significantly between 1530 and 1600, from around 30% to nearly zero. However, day labourers continued to struggle with illiteracy, with rates remaining above 90%.

The expansion of literacy was most pronounced among the middle and upper classes, particularly men living in towns. This change was not uniform and irregular, with social distinctions evident throughout the early modern period.

At the end of the Middle Ages, only a small percentage of men (less than 10%) and almost no women were literate. The ability to write was considered a valuable skill, restricted to those who held positions of power or prestige.

Literacy is often measured by an individual's ability to sign their name on a document. This indicator provides insight into the social and economic contexts in which literacy developed during this period. Historians have relied on such measures to understand the growth of literacy in early modern Europe, as seen in works like 'Literacy in Early Modern Europe: Culture and Education, 1500–1800' by London and 'The Growth of Literacy in Western Europe from 1500 to 1800' by Houston.

It is essential to rely on credible sources when exploring historical topics. In this case, the numbers provided come from a professional historian, Professor Houston at St. Andrews University, who has dedicated his work to studying literacy rates during this period. His findings should be taken seriously and can provide valuable insights into the lives of people in medieval England.

Medieval names england