Religion permeated every aspect of medieval life, and Hannah’s relationship with the Church was multifaceted. On one hand, she was a devout Christian, regularly attending mass and participating in religious festivals. On the other hand, her work as a healer sometimes put her at odds with ecclesiastical authorities.

The Church during the 13th century was expanding its influence and increasingly wary of folk practices it deemed superstitious or heretical. While Hannah’s herbal remedies were mostly accepted, her reputation sometimes drew suspicion, especially as witch hunts began to take hold in later centuries.

Records suggest Hannah sought sanctuary in a nearby monastery during one such period of suspicion, highlighting the complex interactions between laypeople and religious institutions.

Social and Political Context

The 13th century was a turbulent time in England, marked by political struggles such as the reign of King John and the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, which began the slow process of limiting royal power. It was also an era of frequent conflicts, from local feuds to larger-scale battles like the Barons’ Wars.

Though Hannah was not a noblewoman, the political turmoil influenced village life profoundly. The imposition of taxes, military levies, and shifting allegiances affected her family and neighbors. Some documents indicate Hannah’s involvement in local petitions against unjust taxation, showing her awareness and participation in the civic life beyond her immediate domestic responsibilities. shutdown123