Polluted air and water: The city's air was polluted by smoke from coal-burning fires, and the water was often contaminated with sewage. This led to a high incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
High crime rate: London had a high crime rate, due in part to the large number of people living in poverty. Thieves, pickpockets, and other criminals were common, and violence was a frequent occurrence.
Poverty: A large proportion of London's population lived in poverty. Many people were employed in low-paying jobs, such as manual labor or domestic service. Beggars and homeless people were a common sight on the streets.
Lack of education: Most people in medieval London did not have access to education. The city had a few schools, but these were mostly for the children of the wealthy. As a result, the majority of Londoners were illiterate.
Short life expectancy: The average life expectancy in medieval London was around 35 years. This was due to a combination of factors, including poor sanitation, disease, malnutrition, and poverty.
Despite these challenges, London was also a vibrant and bustling city. It was a center of trade and commerce, and it attracted people from all over Europe. The city was also home to a number of important cultural institutions, such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.