Medieval Industry in Southwark

Chaucer's Physician diagnosing by examining a urine sample!

Medieval Southwark, despite the presence of industries that would have been highly pulluting, was clearly a good place to live. It was the home of the Palaces/Manor houses of the Bishop of Winchester, Edward II, Edward III, Sir John Fastolfe and the home of 2 important monasteries.

Because of its location on the south end of London Bridge Southwark was the location of many taverns, inns and brothels.

It is no wonder that 32% of the workforce were employed in the victualling trade, and many of the others were in service industries or manufacturing objects to be sold in local shops.

Southwark Cathedral

Religious Houses

Southwark was the home of the second hospital in London - St Thomas hospital - this was founded from the Augustine Priory of St Mary Overie (now Southwark Cathedral).

Bermondsey Abbey was a Benedictine Abbey and one of the richest in England.

Bermondsey Abbey Gateway

Occupations in Southwark 1180 - 1220

Alien Householders in Southwark 1440

0.6% Unemployed
3% Officers & Servants
4% Transport
6% Leather
7% Misc Industries
7% Misc Sales & Services
8% Building
9% Dress
9% Metalwork
14% Cloth & Wool
32% Victualler

(source Carlin)

To find out more read:

Carlin, Martha ''Medieval Southwark' Hambledon Press, 1996

Cowan, Carrie, 'Below Southwark - the archaeological story' London Borough of Southwark, 2000

Haberdasher
Hat-maker
Hosier
Hosteler
Huckster (female)
Jeweller
Joiner
Labourer
Lockier
Lynckster
Painter
Pie Baker
Point-maker
Pommel-maker
Purser
Sawyer
Skinner
Smith
Stolemaker
Tailor

(source Carlin)

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