Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

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Record Number: 10195 Author(s)/Creator(s): Lee , Becky R. Contributor(s): Title: A Company of Women and Men: Men's Recollections of Childbirth in Medieval England Source: Journal of Family History 27, 2 (April 2002): Pages 92 - 100. Description: Article Type: Journal Article Subject (See Also): Childbirth Gender Man Woman Relationships Memory Private Sphere and Public Sphere Proof of Age Inquests Witnesses Award Note: Geographic Area: British Isles Century: 14 Primary Evidence: Illustrations: Table: Abstract: The events that took place in medieval English birthing chambers were witnessed and assisted by a company of women. Although these events may have been isolated, they did not exist in isolation. Rather, they interacted in complex ways with the lives and activities of men in the manor hall. This article examines those interactions as they are evidenced in proof-of-age inquests, legal documents that record recollections of husbands, fathers, and male relatives and neighbors regarding the events surrounding the birth of an heir to crown land. It concludes that even though men rarely entered the birthing chamber, their dynastic interests and social politics routinely penetrated its walls, blurring the boundary between private and public spheres, female and male space. Related Resources: Author's Affiliation: York University, Toronto Conference Info: - , - Year of Publication: 2002. Language: English ISSN/ISBN: 03631990

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