Women often died in childbirth, although if they survived the child-bearing years, they could live as long as men, even into their 70s.

Midwifery was practised informally, gradually becoming a specialized occupation in the Late Middle Ages. However, there are recorded examples from the High Middle Ages of women engaged in a business other than that of their husband. Such partnerships were facilitated by the fact that much work occurred in or near the home. In addition, married women were generally expected to assist their husbands in business. Spinning was one of a number of traditionally women's crafts at this time, initially performed using the spindle and distaff the spinning wheel was introduced towards the end of the High Middle Ages.ДЇor most of the Middle Ages, until the introduction of beer made with hops, brewing was done largely by women this was a form of work which could take place at home. 614вЂ“680), became influential on a national and even international scale.

From the 5th century onward, Christian convents provided an alternative to the path of marriage and child-rearing, to play a more active religious role.ДЄbbesses could become important figures in their own right, often ruling over monasteries of both men and women, and holding significant lands and power. With the establishment of Christian monasticism, other roles within the Church became available to women. Spinning by hand was a traditional form of women's work (illustration c.

Sims medieval female skins