Medieval caregivers
I can explain the different types of medical care which were available to people in medieval Britain.
Medieval caregivers
I can explain the different types of medical care which were available to people in medieval Britain.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Physicians observed their patients to diagnose their illnesses.
- Physicians were university-educated but were taught to accept many incorrect theories.
- Apothecaries made and sold medicines and barber-surgeons performed surgical procedures.
- Medieval hospitals cared for the sick but did not try to cure their patients' illnesses.
- Most medical care was accessed within local communities from family members and wise people.
Keywords
Diagnose - to say what is wrong with someone who is sick
Prescribe - to say what medical treatment someone needs
Monasteries - groups of buildings that are a home for religious men or women who live separately from other people
Common misconception
There was limited access to medical care in medieval Britain.
Although few people were able to afford physicians, most people were able to turn to other sources of care such as that offered by hospitals, wise people or members of their own family.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Medieval caregivers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Medieval caregivers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Medicine in Britain, c1250–present unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
made and sold medicines
performed procedures such as bloodletting
often observed the urine of their patients