In the Middle Ages, about one quarter of the population lived in towns. They were centres of trade and were usually located at a point where trading was important, e.g. river crossings, along the coast near river mouths, at crossroads and close to monasteries or castles. Some towns became very important and wealthy because of their location along a busy trade route. As more people came to work and live in the town, it became bigger and wealthier. Opportunities for work further encouraged other craftsmen to come to the town. Slowly the town became more and more important.
Church Market square
Fig 4.19 The images show an illustration and a photograph of the walled medieval town of Carcassonne in France. It was originally built in the fifth century by the Visigoths and rebuilt in 1130 CE. It is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.