Drinking Beer In Medieval Times: What Was Used?

It is a common misconception that people in the Middle Ages drank beer instead of water. The idea that water was unsafe to drink and that people knew it, so they avoided it, is misleading at best and entirely mythical at worst. There is ample evidence of regular water consumption in the Middle Ages. Medical texts and health manuals from the time often noted the benefits of drinking water. For example, Paul of Aegina, a 7th-century Byzantine physician, wrote, Of all things, water is of most use in every mode of regimen. It is necessary to know that the best water is devoid of quality as regards taste and smell, is most pleasant to drink, and pure to the sight; and when it passes through the praecordia quickly, one cannot find a better drink.

Water was also free and available to everyone, with many towns being built around wells and springs that provided clean water. In larger towns, there were even infrastructures to supply water to citizens. For example, in 1236, construction began on a system of pipes in London that was designed to transport water from a fresh spring to a pumping house, making fresh water available throughout the city.

While beer was consumed in the Middle Ages, it was not a replacement for water. Instead, it was viewed as a more nutritious alternative. Even though it was weakly brewed, beer was a calorie-laden beverage that provided both hydration and energy to workers and farmers.

Beer was drunk from goblets at celebratory feasts

However, beer was also widely consumed and held cultural significance. Beer was commonly used to pay taxes and tithes, and it was seen as a more nutritious alternative to water, providing necessary calories for manual labourers and farmers. Beer was also believed to be safer to drink than water, as boiling water during the brewing process killed harmful bacteria.

At celebratory feasts, beer would be served in goblets, contributing to the festive atmosphere. These feasts were often held by the nobility and involved lavish displays of food and drink. The use of goblets, with their elegant shapes and materials, added to the opulence of these occasions.

The consumption of beer at these feasts was not only about hydration but also about enjoyment and social status. Beer was often taxed and required resources to produce, so it was more expensive than water. Therefore, drinking beer from goblets at these celebrations became a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

In conclusion, while beer was certainly consumed at celebratory feasts from goblets in medieval times, it was not because water was always unsafe. Instead, beer held cultural and nutritional value, and its presence at these feasts contributed to the sense of celebration and luxury.

Beer was also used to pay taxes and tithes

In the 15th century, the Bishop of Tournai was shown receiving a tithe of beer from tenants on his lands. Beer was commonly used to pay taxes and tithes in the Middle Ages. This was because beer was a valuable commodity, and it was often consumed by everyone from commoners to royalty.

The use of beer to pay taxes and tithes also highlights the importance of beer in medieval society. It was seen as a necessary drink, and it was also a way to show respect and gratitude. For example, tenants would offer beer to their landlords as a form of payment or gift.

The practice of using beer to pay taxes and tithes also had economic implications. The production and sale of beer generated revenue for the government and brewers. It also created jobs for people involved in the brewing and distribution process.

Overall, the use of beer to pay taxes and tithes was a common practice in medieval times. It demonstrates the value placed on beer and how it was integrated into the social, cultural, and economic fabric of society during that period.

Water was available from wells and springs

In medieval times, water was free and clean. It was the centerpiece of villages, and larger towns had infrastructures to supply water to citizens. Medieval people did not drink water that looked or smelled bad, and tradesmen who used water, such as tanning, faced hefty fines if they polluted the town's drinking supply.

Medical texts and health manuals throughout the Middle Ages often noted the benefits of drinking water. Paul of Aegina, a 7th-century Byzantine physician, wrote:

> Of all things, water is of most use in every mode of regimen. It is necessary to know that the best water is devoid of quality as regards taste and smell, is most pleasant to drink, and pure to the sight; and when it passes through the praecordia quickly, one cannot find a better drink.

The Salernitan Rule of Health advised that drinking from a cool spring was good for thirst, but rainwater was even better.

Water was free and clean

Water was the centerpiece of villages, and people drank it regularly. Medieval people were not stupid; they did not drink water that looked or smelled bad. They understood that water could be good or bad, but this was limited to its smell and flavour. They avoided water that looked or smelled bad, and tradesmen who used water, such as tanning, faced hefty fines if they polluted the town's drinking supply.

Medical texts and health manuals throughout the Middle Ages often noted the benefits of drinking water. For example, Paul of Aegina, a 7th-century Byzantine physician, wrote:

> Of all things, water is of most use in every mode of regimen. It is necessary to know that the best water is devoid of quality as regards taste and smell, is most pleasant to drink, and pure to the sight; and when it passes through the praecordia quickly, one cannot find a better drink.

The Salernitan Rule of Health advised that drinking from a cool spring was good for thirst, but rainwater was even better.

Water was also free. While beer was commonly used to pay taxes and tithes, it was more costly to drink than water unless it was home-brewed, as there were taxes and transportation fees involved.

Beer was a more nutritious alternative to water

It is a common misconception that people in the Middle Ages drank beer instead of water due to poor water quality. In reality, water was the most common drink, with ample evidence of regular water consumption during this period. However, beer was viewed as a more nutritious alternative to water.

Beer in Medieval Europe was weaker than it is today, with an ABV of around 3%. While it was not a replacement for water, beer was considered a good source of calories and energy. Medieval people engaged in hard labour or physical work, such as farmers and workers, may have preferred beer as it provided both hydration and nourishment.

Beer was also used for celebratory purposes and social gatherings. It was commonly used to pay taxes and tithes, and it was often consumed during feasts and festivals. However, beer was more expensive than water as it had to be purchased, and there were taxes and transportation fees involved.

Medieval people had access to clean water sources such as wells, springs, rivers, and streams. They understood the importance of drinking water from good sources and avoided polluted water. Villages were often built around water sources, and larger towns had infrastructures to supply water to citizens. For example, London had a system of pipes to supply freshwater to the city.

In conclusion, while beer was not a substitute for water, it was seen as a nutritious and energising drink, especially for those engaged in physically demanding work. Water, on the other hand, was the primary source of hydration due to its availability and affordability.

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