ABSTRACT

The open spaces on the fringes of medieval cities, both within and without thewalls, were given over to activities which for a variety of reasons could not beconducted in the built-up parts of the city. Industries that were a source of pollution such as tanneries had to be located distant from houses but near water sources and places where sewage could be easily disposed of. Some enterprises required large open areas. Markets selling grain and livestock could not be located in the narrow streets and built-up areas.