On the outer periphery are mud and straw taverns and
brothels. Houses are beginning to be built outside the walls along
the Thames because the collapse of the power of the great feudal
lords decreased the fear of an armed attack on London. The
merchants introduced this idea of living at a distance from the
place of work so that they could escape living in the narrow,
damp, and dark lanes of the City and have more light and space.
Indeed no baronial army ever threatened the king again. East of
London were cattle pastures, flour mills, bakers, cloth-fulling
mills, lime burners, brick and tile makers, bell-founders, and
ship repairing. There was a drawbridge on the south part of London
Bridge for defense and to let ships through. Water sports were
played on the Thames such as tilting at each other with lances
from different boats.
The Tailors' and Linen Armorers' Guild received a charter in 1503
from the king as the "Merchant Tailors" to use all wares and
merchandise, especially wool cloth, as well wholesale as retail,
throughout the nation. Some schooling was now being made
compulsory in certain trades; the goldsmiths' company made a rule
that all apprentices had to be able to read and write.
A yeoman was the second-rank person of some importance, below a
knight, below a gentleman, below a full member of a guild. In
London, it meant the journeyman or second adult in a small
workshop.
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