Cats, while not as universally adored as they are today, played an important role in medieval society as well. Cats were valued for their ability to control vermin, particularly rats and mice, which plagued the streets and markets of medieval cities. They were commonly kept in households, monasteries, and even by traders in the city, where they helped to protect stored grain and other foodstuffs from being destroyed by rodents.
Exotic Animals and the Royal Menagerie
For the wealthiest citizens of London, animals were not only practical but also a symbol of prestige. King Henry III (1216–1272) famously kept a royal menagerie at the Tower of London, one of the earliest examples of a royal collection of exotic animals in Europe. The menagerie included animals such as lions, leopards, and bears, which were kept as a symbol of royal power and as a form of entertainment for the king and his court. The Tower’s menagerie would eventually become the core of the modern London Zoo, which was officially founded in the 19th century.
Animals in Religion and Culture
Beyond their economic and practical uses, animals also held deep cultural and religious significance in medieval London. Many animals appeared in religious iconography, with saints often depicted with animals to symbolize their virtues or the divine favor they had received. In the medieval Christian tradition, animals were sometimes seen as representations of sin or temptation, while in other cases, they were symbols of the divine or the heavenly realm.
The feast days of saints also often involved animal-related traditions. For example, St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, was widely revered in medieval London, and his feast day was celebrated with blessings of animals in local churches. The church played an important role in regulating the treatment of animals, as the Catholic Church’s teachings about compassion extended to the care and protection of animals.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Animals in Medieval London
The history of animals in medieval London is a testament to the deep and multifaceted relationship between humans and animals during the Middle Ages. From the markets and streets to royal courts and religious ceremonies, animals were integrated into nearly every aspect of life in the city. They served not only as economic commodities but also as symbols of power, companionship, and devotion. Though medieval London has long since transformed into the bustling metropolis we know today, the traces of this deep connection between humans and animals can still be seen in the cultural and historical legacy of the city. shutdown123