Towns and women

Women too had more scope in the towns. They could be apprentices, could run stalls and shops and own property. They could not, however, officially belong to a guild, although if their husband died they were often allowed to carry on the business. Women were allowed to join the many religious guilds that organised processions and social events, such as religious plays and festivals.

That not all medieval women were meek and subservient is reflected in a legend told about Ellen "the Terrible", wife of Thomas Vaughan. (They are buried together at Kington in a 15th century altar tomb.) The story tells us that Ellen dressed up as a man and attended an archery contest. Here she shot an arrow through the heart of the man she believed had killed her brother. (West 1985)

[Original author: Toria Forsyth-Moser, 2002]