History in transport
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, long trains of packhorses made their way across Britain. They carried goods for trade, especially wool, which was a very important commodity. The train was made up of as many as fifty horses in a single file, led by a horse with a bell. With it, besides the packman, travelled merchants, pilgrims and other travellers who kept together for safety against robbers.
Anyone who could afford to buy or hire a horse travelled on horseback. Noble ladies often travelled in a horse litter with curtains drawn to prevent prying eyes from looking in.
Ships changed greatly, especially between 1400 and 1500 (the 15th century) leading to great voyages of exploration. The Arabs first designed the three-masted style of ship in which Magdellan (1519-22) and Drake (1577-80) would later sail around the world, and in which Columbus would reach America.