The Medieval Period I: High Child Mortality Rates

I. Medieval Period

The British concept of children began its unique inception during the medieval period.

However, this evolution is not without its complications.

A. High Child Mortality Rates

                Medieval life was hard. It was particularly hard for children. In fact, the death rate for children during the period was, by modern standards, high (see below).

This meant that children were more valued by adults. Medieval society recognized the frailty of their children’s lives, and treated them with higher regard.

The Church figured prominently in the numerous “miracle reports” and other documents that survived, which are evidence of the efforts of medieval parents to find cures for their usually sick children.

Accounts of grief-stricken parents who failed in their efforts are also illustrative of the relationship that society had with children.

Child mortality rate during the medieval period
[Data source: Orme, N. (2005)]