How to survive a day in the 14th century

Ian Mortimer guides us through a day in the 1300s – from waking up on a straw mat to smelling your neighbour's cesspit – and teaches us how medieval people navigated the perils of daily life

Published: July 22, 2026 at 5:15 PM

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What threats might you have faced on a daily basis in England in the 1300s?

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In this episode, Ian Mortimer guides Charlotte Vosper through a day in the 14th century and argues that it would have been surprisingly difficult to stay alive... From struggling to put food on the table to breathing in the scent of your neighbour's cesspit, Ian discusses the perils that came with everyday medieval life.

Authors

Charlotte VosperContent producer

Charlotte Vosper is a content producer at HistoryExtra

Dr Ian MortimerHistorian and author

The Time Traveller’s Guide to Regency Britain

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