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In medieval England (c.1250 - c.1500), people did not generally use science to understand medical conditions. England had a very religious society. As a result, religious beliefs and superstition were used to explain, diagnose and decide on treatments for illness.

Supernatural and religious explanations

In England, the Church had great influence over people’s lives. People were very religious and followed the teachings of the Catholic Church. It was believed that God controlled everything that happened in the world, including disease and illness.

Most people were Christian and believed that illness and disease were sent by God as a punishment for sin. It was also thought that illness and disease could be a test of a person’s faith - either by God or by the Devil.

Astrology

Alongside religion, traditional beliefs were used to help diagnose disease and illness. One method of doing this was to use astrology - the study of the planets and stars. A physician would use a star chart. He would look at when a patient had been born and when they had become ill to decide what illness or disease they had.

The use of astrology to diagnose illness and disease became more popular after the Black Death. The impact of the disease was so huge that people strongly wanted to be able to explain why it had happened.