In the years following the Black Death of 1348-9 in London, in which as many as 50% of the population died, women enjoyed something of a ‘Golden Age’. Young women can be found apprenticed in a number of crafts, married women could trade as ‘femmes soles’ and widows are to be found running businesses, trading with Italian merchants and taking on apprentices of their own. The rise in population in the early sixteenth century and the advent of Protestantism altered the opportunities and the public profile of women in London. This talk by Professor Caroline Barron will explore some of the evidence in the city’s records which can reveal the different roles played by women in London the medieval period.

Please note: Further information for joining online via Zoom will be provided to attendees by 24 hours prior to the event.

If you do not receive the details by 5pm the day before, please contact the Events Team: ghlevents@cityoflondon.gov.uk