Medieval Travellers

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It may surprise the non-historians amongst us, but medieval people travelled widely, some of them covering vast distances. People journeyed for a variety of reasons, whether for religious purposes such as pilgrimages and visiting shrines and religious sites, for political reasons, social context between officials, family and friends, and for amusement to release them from their boredom. By the end of the medieval period, sources tell us that people took great pleasure in travelling and were curious about visiting new places. This book relates stories of great travellers of the 13th to mid-15th century, from kings and queens and, of course, their households, to officials and diplomats, crusaders, pilgrims, adventurers and social climbers. Putting display and style above comfort, many of the aristocracy travelled between their houses, or hunting camps, with an elaborate entourage which brought spectacle to the places they visited. Based on chronicles, other literary works, household accounts and such like, Margaret Wade Labarge also explores the physical conditions and practicalities of making such journeys.