Woolworkers contributed to one of the most commercialised sectors of the medieval period. Textile production could create income and social mobility for those restricted by serfdom. What’s more, as the Bayeux Tapestry embroiderers revealed, weaving was dominated by women. While Cathars lived simple lives of austerity, they still required money for food and materials. Weaving was a popular way of earning it, as attested to in chronicles, depositions and other records. It could be done by women on a small scale in the home.
