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Author
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Topic: seige
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aims
Member
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posted 12-28-2002 01:00 AM
 
Although there is much to find on line about castle seiges, I can't find one thing. When the castle was under attack, how was medical treatment given? Those closest to death I would imagine would be sent to the chapel, but what about the others?------------------
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Peter
Moderator
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posted 12-28-2002 01:54 PM
Not much was done is the answer.
Smashed limbs were normally removed straight away, due to the risk of infection. If there was a person with medical knowledge ( I use the term very loosely), they were used to dealing with animals as much as humans. Much work would be done by the women in the castle or town under seige. Perhaps working in tandem with the women would be the local monks/church/abbey etc. Because it was people like the monks that would have greater learning concerning the use of herbs. These herbs would be grown within the confines of the abbey grounds. Gaping wounds would be pulled together with straight needle & thread, then perhaps covered with a poultice of herbs to keep infection out.
It must be remembered that religion played a great part in the healing process. With healing prayers being said several times a day for the injured and dieing.
Even down to the times of Nelson, limbs were quickly removed and then sealed with pitch to stop those same infections.
To be hurt in anyway in past times did not give you a good chance of survival, no matter how slight the wound. |
aims
Member
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posted 12-31-2002 12:23 AM
Thank you for your help. It sounds as though is was very harsh indeed.
Do you know if there was a specific gathering place for the wounded? |
Peter
Moderator
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posted 01-01-2003 03:41 PM
Hm!
It would perhaps be in the church itself, or the lower reaches of a great tower. There are instances of churches being set on fire (sometimes on purpose) by the enemy, and all the wounded being killed.
If you have seen the old film about the 'Alamo', there is a scene in that with all the wounded, along with the women and children, in the church. Not that it normally did any of them any good.
If a truce was arranged between attackers & defenders, you may find that the castle/town would be then surrended. The garrison allowed to march out 'in good order', taking wounded men with them if they so wished. Ordinary inhabitants of a town/castle may not be so kindly treated.
Indeed, it was a harsh world. |
aims
Member
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posted 01-04-2003 07:04 PM
Thank you again. You've been very helpful.------------------
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hinal
Member
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posted 02-16-2003 05:04 PM
maybe u will find lots of info in books from the libary??? i found lots of info when i went even in just one book
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Erik Schmidt
Senior Member
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posted 02-17-2003 05:04 AM
On the topic of injuries, I read recently that wounded knights would place a piece of armour in a chapel or church as an offering for being healed(surviving), which is where quite a number of surviving armour pieces originated.
The sanctuary of the Madonna della Grazie has numerous pieces and quite a few whole suits of armour (mostly 15th century), deposited there and held until modern times.Erik |
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