It has often been said that women are hidden from history because it is, in the main, only men who figure prominently in historical narratives.  So my post today contains images of Medieval women at their daily work – spinning wool.   The modern term ‘spinster’ comes from this medieval  female occupation but it is now used when referring to an unmarried woman.

The pictures below are all from Raymund of Peñafort’s Decretals of Gregory IX with glossa ordinaria (the ‘Smithfield Decretals’) (France, Last quarter of the 13th century or 1st quarter of the 14th century), © British Library Board.

Royal 10 E IV f. 146 Woman at a spinning wheel

Royal 10 E IV f. 139 An amorous encounter – Woman spinning

Royal 10 E IV f. 142 Woman with spinning wheel

Royal 10 E IV f. 147 Woman at a spinning wheel

Royal 10 E IV f. 147v Man and woman by a spinning wheel

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