In this paper, we examine the issue of maintaining the sanitary condition of English medieval towns on the example of the 14th-15th centuries. This was the time when local self-government and its functions were formed and developed, including the maintenance of municipal infrastructure. Our research shows that in the 14th-15th centuries the main responsibilities for maintaining the sanitary condition of towns were performed by local residents. Only at the end of the 15th century, special servants and hired workers responsible for the cleanliness of important town facilities appeared in the structure of municipal authorities. Their work was paid for from the municipal treasury. «Dirty» crafts were transferred to the outskirts, centralized garbage collection was organized. This contributed to a more effective solution to the issue of maintaining the sanitary condition of urban areas, and to the development of local self-government.
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