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Good news, bad news

A review of the literature relating to health and learning disability during the Middle Ages: 1066–1485

Rob Henstock

This paper will review evidence in the literature that provides us with information about life in the medieval period for people who had learning disabilities, especially in relation to medical help and health care.

The information will be presented in four sections:

  • The background to medieval thinking; what informed their approach to life in general and health in particular?
  • What was healthcare like generally for everyone? Examples of what were considered examples of best practice.
  • Examples of health care in relation to people who had learning disability, positive and negative.
  • What lessons can be learned from this period that may be of benefit today?

The presentation will use pictures from the period to help people understand the context of the period being discussed and to illustrate the examples of healthcare practices being described.

Contact us

About the Group

If you woud like to get in touch with the Social History of Learning Disability (SHLD) Research Group, please contact:

Liz Tilley 
Chair of the Social History of Learning Disability (SHLD) Research Group
School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care
Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

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