What treats did poor people get in the middle ages?

Answer 1

In the middle ages, poor people did occasionally get treats. For example, there were times of the year when poor people were given presents. Maundy money was given out to poor people regularly in England on the Thursday before Easter, and this custom seems to have started nearly immediately on the adoption of Christianity at the end of the 6th century. There were also special occasions, such as coronations, announcements of births, weddings, and so on, when the poor were traditionally given money, cakes, or other small gifts.

Answer 2

Although there was much less of a social safety network in the middle ages as compared to modern times, there still was some assistance for poor people. Institution such as Monasteries and Priories scrupulously saved food that was not consumed by their members and gave it to the poor. The households of the wealthy and noble were expected to do likewise. At formal meals food was often served on thick slices of (sometimes stale) bread called trenchers. These trenchers were often given to the poor after they had absorbed the juices and sauces of the meals, at least in the case of households were it was not economically necessary to eat the trenchers to have adequate provisions.

There were also institutions that helped care for those who could not care for themselves. Hospitals in the middle ages took in not only the sick, but there were also hospitals for widows who were without means, the blind, and those too elderly to work to support themselves. These institutions were run and staffed by the church, and it was a sign of both social prestige and piety for the noble class to support such organizations.

Despite this, the needs of the poor almost always exceeded the capacity of the charitable systems that were in place. Able bodied individuals received little sympathy, and those who were capable of work, no matter how lowly, were expected to engage in it. Urban crime was a significant problem at times as a result, and those of the lower classes could face a very difficult old age if they did not have family to help them.

Answer 3

the barons, knights and kings