Town and country

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By John Davis — teacher and freelance writer

Investigate the contrasts between town and country in Tudor Britain

Peddlers – people who travelled around from place to place selling things – were in a unique position to view the marked differences between town and country in Tudor Britain. It was a hard way to earn a living, but many considered it gave them more freedom than finding a job based in one place. They also thought it better than spending their time on the streets begging, as much of the population was forced to do. Lots of peddlers were children, who only made very small profits on the items they sold. These items included laces, ribbons, rings, necklaces and mirrors. Some specialised in toys for youngsters, like drums and dolls.