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The development of towns under Edward I

Medial universities: the firt universities emerged in the eleventh century but these had grown out of much older institutions called monastic schools. at first, classes were taught wherever there was space, such as in churches and in people,s homes, but a colletion of individuals who studied together. those who went to university tended to be from the gentry and others including many priests, spent their whole lives at the university itself as teachers and scholars. As was the case with England's first universities, some were funded by the crown.

A country of villages: At the time of Edward's, around 90 per cent of the population lived in villages and farmed the land. Life was tough and everything depended on the success of the harvest.

PEASANTS. Had to work hard to make sure they grew enough food to survive winter.

OFFICIALS: Like the balliff an the reeve, were responsible for organising the agriculture work.

The success of the village relied on everyone playing their part.

The boom in urban living: Tows could only be created if the king granted permission with a royal charter. Edward created many towns because it was in his interest to do so. Towns were centres of trade and business. Towns could be used as a base for securing an area or lauching an attack on another area.

Oxford and Chambridge: Oxford and Cambridge were the only universities successfully established in England until the founding of the university of Durtham in 1832.

King Edward wanted the universities of Oxford and Cambridge to be successful. This was beacuse he recognised the benefit of having access to men who were respected across Europe for their learning and intelligence. They were useful to him as goverment offcials.

Edward's reign was dominated by his reforms to English law, including status that aimed to limit the power of the church. the legal experts of Oxford and Cambrige played a key role in this.

Edward also recognised the importance of written records and university graduates played a key role in ensuring that these were created.