So with these various options available, who would use them?
Sure, monks and nuns. They were dedicated to preserving their Holy words. But it was not just the monks and nuns who knew how to read and write. There was a slew of civil servants who had to keep track of the taxes. Singers who needed to read song lyrics. Poets. Those who managed guilds. Those who managed noble households. Generals distributing orders to their troops. Rulers distributing orders to their ruled. Many of these people focused on Latin, which was a common language across many countries, but there were also those who learned a local language as well.
Yes, there are all the tales of taverns having picture-signs like a Black Kettle rather than words, and it's true that a portion of the population couldn't read. But it did not mean that everyone was illiterate. Graffiti shows us that even hooligans often knew how to write quite well :).
Soldiers wrote letters home. Religious-minded people wrote prayers and sacred songs. Household members kept notes on supplies. And there were all sorts of people who couldn't write for themselves but who could read what other people wrote. They weren't quite skilled enough to figure out how to form letters and sentences, but they could puzzle out one which was given to them.
Still, it's fair to say that much of this depended on the particular environment one was raised in. If a person was born into a fisherman's hut and the entire village was made up of simple fishermen, who all clustered together at the edge of the ocean, it could be that none of them were literate. They knew to make marks for numbers, and perhaps a symbol for the type of fish, and that would be it. That would be what they needed to get them through the day.
But if someone grew up in a guild household with assets, and it was expected they were to keep track of sales and inventory, children could be trained to read as soon as possible so they could become useful. Remember, children in this time period weren't thought of as cute playful things. They were thought of as young adults who needed to pull their weight. They were taught whatever tasks possible as soon as they could learn. Both for family survival and also to help them grow up to be functional adults.
Since women often "ran the household" in these times while men handled the defense and out-of-household tasks, it was natural that many of these women needed to read and write in order to manage inventories, keep lists, and do the myriad of other tasks required.
Dedication
To my mom, dad, siblings, and family members who encouraged me to indulge myself in medieval fantasies. I spent many long car rides creating epic tales of sword-wielding heroines and the strong men who stood by their sides. Jenn, Uncle Blake, and Dad were awesome proofers.
To Peter and Elizabeth May, who patiently toured me around England, Scotland, and France on three separate occasions. Elizabeth offered valuable tips on creating authentic scenes. Visiting the Berkhamsted motte and bailey was priceless.
To Jody, Leslie, Liz, Sarah, and Jenny, my friends who enjoy my eclectic ways and provide great suggestions. Becky was my first ever web-fan and her enthusiasm kept me going!
To the editors at BellaOnline, who inspire me daily to reach for my dreams and to aim for the stars. Lisa, Cheryll, Jeanne, Lizzie, Moe, Terrie, Ian, and Jilly provided insightful feedback to help my polishing efforts.
To the Massachusetts Mensa Writing Group for their feedback and enthusiastic support. Lynn, Tom, Ruth, Carmen, Al, and Dean all offered detailed, helpful advice!
To the Geek Girls, with their unflagging support for my expanding list of projects and enterprises. Debi’s design talents are amazing. I simply adore the covers she created for me.
To the Academy of Knightly Arts for several years of in-depth training and combat experience with medieval swords and knives. I loved sparring with Nikki and Jo-Ann!
To B&R Stables who renewed my love of horseback riding and quiet forest trails.
To my son, James, whose insights into psychology help ground my characters in authentic behavior.
To Bob See, my partner in love for over 19 years and counting. He enthusiastically supports all of my new projects.
About the Author
Lisa Shea is a fervent fan of honor, loyalty, and chivalry. She brings to life worlds where men and women stand shoulder to shoulder, steady in their desire to make the world a better place for all. While her medieval heroines often wield a sword, they equally value the skilled use of their intelligence, wisdom, courage, and compassion.
Lisa has studied the Middle Ages since she was quite young. She has trained in medieval swordfighting for several years. She studied medieval dance and music with the SCA. She has been to England numerous times and loves exploring old castles and churches.
Please visit Lisa at LisaShea.com to learn more about her background and interests. Feedback is always appreciated!
You can also contact Lisa at her many social networking accounts:
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Free Ebooks
As a warm thank-you to supporting my cause, here are free ebooks for you to enjoy.
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Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Namaste Aloha Servus
Many languages have a single word that can be used both as a greeting and a farewell. I imagine it’s because, in thoughtful relationships, the person is never really gone. They stay within your thoughts until the next time you are able to be together again. While there was technically a beginning, once that connection is made it is always there. There is a continuation of memory and care.
Over the years, countless people have helped me with my writing. My dedication earlier does not even come close to touching them all. Every time a new reader picks up a book and becomes part of the story process, their comments enrich our entire community. Often it’s a random thought or idea from one reader which then causes improving changes in the storylines for future ones.
I then am able to pass along those ideas and suggestions to all the authors I help. That allows them to blossom and grow in their own projects.
If you have feedback on this or any of my stories, please share it! I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you so much to all my readers. Thank you to my fellow authors who encourage me. Thank you to the wonderful creative spirits who provide inspiration for me.
Perhaps most of all, I want to send my warmest of wishes to the battered and emotionally burdened women who struggle each day to face the world. All of the proceeds from this series support shelters. This mission is extremely important to me. It is tragic we still live in a world where those shelters are necessary. Until our society rises to a level where they’re no longer needed, I will strive to do my part to support them.
We all share this big blue marble we call home. It’s the only place we have to live. And we’re only on it for the blink of an eye before we’re gone again.
We should treasure each day.
We should care for those around us who have walked a rough road.
And we should be grateful for all we have.
Thank you for being a part of my journey.
Namaste.
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