The life expectancy was nearly 42 years the wealthy lived longer. England’s economy was based on farming. The south and the east farmed grain and kept livestock; west and north had sheep, cattle and horses.
Industry was fairly limited, woollen products needed and leather goods were common. Many tools were needed for building, farming and domestic use; these were made from metal and coalmines in England.
There was a strong fear of crime and in the larger towns they would have been used to thieves, pickpockets and robbers. These two groups of people, criminals and the homeless poor were treaded severely by the harsh laws of the time. They were either whipped or even branded with hot irons to make sure that they did not use the excuse again. Serious crimes meant that the accused would be hanged.
Entertainments enjoyed at this time would seem cruel by today’s standards, bull baiting and bearbaiting, cockfighting were all common. Taverns, playhouses and bowling alleys were all places, which people could entertain themselves. Gambling with cards and dice, real tennis and bowls were forbidden by law; this did not stop their popularity. Theatres were popular, with standing room for the poor and expensive seats for merchants and gentry.
England was still a small country based on an agricultural economy and troubled by war and poverty, but the kingdoms cultural achievements were massive.
