Religion in the Middle Ages Christianity was an

Religion in the Middle Ages Christianity was an integral part of life in Britain during the Middle Ages. Everyone believed in Heaven and Hell. Terrifying pictures of Hell were painted in Churches to incite fear amongst the people. Everyone believed that the only way to avoid going to Hell was to follow the rules of the Church. Oes y Tywysogion St Teilo’s Church, Amgueddfa Cymru-National Museum Wales

Religion in the Middle Ages Religion had an influence on all members of society, from the poorest serfs to the richest noblemen. Oes y Tywysogion

Lords (rich) 1. People were paid to pray for family members, often before and after a battle. 2. Lands were given to the Church and monetary contributions made towards building Monasteries, in the hope that this would secure a place in Heaven. 3. People paid for a burial place following their death. D. Salesbury Hughes, The National Library of Wales Oes y Tywysogion

Serfs (poor) 1. Religion explained everything about life to the people of that period. 2. Commoners believed that worshipping and living a good life would help them secure a place in Heaven. 3. The peasants were afraid of going to Hell, there were very frightening descriptions of Hell. Llyfr Oriau De Grey, The National Library of Wales Oes y Tywysogion

Powerful and wealthy One example that shows how the Church ruled everyday life was the tithes. The peasants had to pay tithes to the Church during the Middle Ages. Tithes – a contribution of 10% of their produce, such as animals, crops or goods, to the Church. 1/10 to the Church Oes y Tywysogion