Livestock in the City Medieval London was a crowded city with many animals kept within its walls—horses for transport, cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry for food. Stables and pens were common, and animal waste accumulated in streets and yards, contributing heavily to the city’s odors. The Butchers’ District Areas like Smithfield were cen

Medieval London was a bustling metropolis—a hub of commerce, culture, and politics. But for all its vibrancy, the city was infamous for its foul odors. Unlike modern cities, medieval London lacked proper sanitation, waste disposal, and understanding of hygiene, leading to pervasive and often overwhelming smells that shaped daily life. This art

Excavations Starting in the 19th and 20th centuries, archaeological digs revealed the abbey’s layout, graves, and artifacts. These efforts restored knowledge of the abbey’s original scale and importance. World Heritage Site In 1988, St Augustine’s Abbey, alongside Canterbury Cathedral and St Martin’s Church, was designated a UNESCO Wo

Viking Raids In the 9th century, Viking invasions threatened the abbey, leading to fortifications and temporary disruptions. Reforms and Renewals During the 10th and 11th centuries, religious reforms revitalized monastic life at St Augustine’s, improving discipline and wealth. The Dissolution of the Monasteries Henry VIII’s Reformation I