In medieval England (c.1250-c.1500), people did not generally use science to understand medical conditions
England had a very religious society
Religious beliefs and superstition
Used to explain, diagnose and decide on treatments for illness
The Church had great influence over people's lives in England
People were very religious and followed the teachings of the Catholic Church
Illness and disease
Believed to be sent by God as a punishment for sin or a test of a person's faith
Astrology
Used to diagnose disease and illness
The use of astrology to diagnose illness and disease became more popular after the Black Death
Physicians in medieval England were always men as women could not go to university
Medicine in medieval England was based on religious, supernatural and rational ideas. The Church held great power over the practice of medicine. This was clear in the case of the Black Death, which reached Britain in 1348.
