A simple food with many meanings: bread in late medieval England

Bread was the most important item of diet in medieval England. Cereals were consumed in boiled form, but bread was preferred. Bread was not just convenient, but was also symbolic of well-being. Although breads were made from other cereals and legumes, wheat bread occupied a prime position, and in particular white wheat bread was regarded highly by consumers. Reasons are given for these attitudes, including the practical advantage that white bread was an efficient source of energy and was cost-effective. The political management of the corn trade and bread baking through such regulations as the assize of bread was intended to prevent unrest, but occasionally consumers organised 'food riots'.

Automated summary

Bread was a vital part of the medieval English diet, valued not only for its convenience but also for its symbolic significance. Among various types of bread, white wheat bread held a special place and was highly regarded by consumers due to its energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The government's regulation of the corn trade and bread baking aimed to maintain social order, although occasional 'food riots' did occur.