A Murdered Peace

Glossary

bars of York: the four main gatehouses in the walls of York (Bootham, Monk, Micklegate, and Walmgate).

beguines: a community of women leading lives of religious devotion who, unlike those who entered convents, were not bound by permanent vows; they dedicated themselves to chastity and charity and worked largely among the poor and the sick, usually in urban settings.

Candlemas: February 2, the feast of the Purification.

dymysent: a woman’s girdle with ornamental work on the front half, often in gold or silver, and a silk back.

Martinmas: November 11, the feast of St. Martin.

Michaelmas: September 29, the feast of St. Michael.

staithe: a landing-stage, or wharf.