The medieval towns

The medieval towns show a contrast in its urban morphological form between organic growth and
planned urban settlements. Classification based on the type of organic and planned cannot be clearly
established because some of the towns emerged from the initial gridiron plan and later developed into
organic pattern, while others with addition of grid iron to an existing organic growth can been seen.

However on the basis of origin medieval towns can be classified into five broad categories of which the
first three are organic while the last two are planned as follows:

1). Towns of roman origin: which were re-established on their original sites

2). Burgs (borough, burk, bourg, burgo): which were formed as fortified military bases and acquired
commercial function later

3). towns which evolved as organic growth from villages

4). bastide towns: which were built according to predetermined plan

5). planted towns: where also the new towns but only a portion of which was planned

Medieval towns generally have similar social, political and economic context in most European countries.
They also have similar kind of vernacular buildings in planned gridiron and unplanned towns. The
components of the medieval towns are usually a wall with its towers and gates which was used for
protection against enemies and later on as a symbol of segregation from rural settlements and the town
and also for the collection of tax from the trader entering the city.

The second component of the town was the street and related circulation spaces, which acted not only for
the movement but also as a place for selling goods. Movement was largely on foot and transport of goods
was mainly on pack-animal.

The third component of the town was the market square, which shows no consistence shape or location in
the medieval towns. The shape was some time rectangular, triangular, oval or irregular.

The church square was the fourth component of the medieval city, with an open space for named as
parvis, where faithful gathered before and after the service, they listen to the occasional outdoor sermons
and here processions passed.

Medieval cities were Divided into small quarters, or districts, each containing its own center that served
as its focal point. Within each district lived people engaged in similar occupations. Some districts were
also defined by ethnicity for example the Jewish quarters.