Black death

Black Death

A deadly plague that arrived in England in June 1348, causing a significant decrease in the population.

Population Before Black Death

Approximately 4 million people in Britain before the Black Death.

Famine of 1315/16

A period of bad harvest and food shortages that contributed to a slight reduction in the population in the 14th century.

Lords and Peasants Relationship

Before the Black Death, Lords didn't have to pay peasants much, as many worked for no pay.

Population After Black Death

The population fell to about 2.5 million after the Black Death.

Repeats of the Plague

The Black Death reappeared in England in 1369, 1379-83, and 1389-93.

Labour Shortage

A situation where there were fewer people available to work the land after the Black Death.

Peasant Demands Post-Black Death

Surviving peasants began demanding higher wages due to decreased labor supply.

King Edward's Ordinances of Labour

A set of rules insisting peasants work for the same wages as before the Black Death.

Lords' Response to Peasant Demands

Some Lords paid higher wages to attract workers, while others tried to circumvent the laws.

Enclosure Movement

Landowners enclosed large fields for sheep farming, replacing the old Norman land systems.

Impact on Farming Techniques

Shift from crop farming to sheep farming due to a shortage of labor.

Clergy Men after the Black Death

Underqualified, poorly trained priests who filled the gaps due to the death of 40% of England's priests.

Lollards

Men who believed common people should read the Bible and share its messages, challenging church authority.

Church's Reaction to the Plague

The Church lost respect as many questioned its inability to explain the plague's devastation.

Economic Changes after Black Death

The upheaval led to significant changes in the economic fabric of British society.

Disillusionment with the Church

Many survivors questioned the Church’s explanations regarding the plague, leading to a loss of faith.

Population Recovery

The population did not return to pre-Black Death levels until the 17th century.

Peasant Migration

Peasants moved to other villages for better wages, despite laws prohibiting such actions.

Agricultural Land Use Change

Landowners realized they needed fewer workers and shifted to less labor-intensive farming.

Lords' Strategies to Attract Workers

Some lords offered gifts or cheap rent to attract peasants, circumventing wage laws.

Social Fabric Impact of the Black Death

The Black Death undermined the social structure and norms of British society.

Clergy Quality Decrease

The influx of underqualified priests led to a decline in the quality of religious leadership.

Economic Attraction of Sheep Farming

Sheep farming became economically advantageous as it required fewer workers.

Impact on Rural Society

The Black Death altered labor relations and rural communities fundamentally.

Peasants' New Opportunities

Some peasants became important farmers by renting land cheaply from landlords.

Priestly Lack of Respect

The poor performance of newly appointed priests led to a loss of respect among the populace.

Population Statistics Fall

The decline in population from 4 million to 2.5 million represented a significant demographic shift.

Shift in Power Dynamics

Survivor peasants gained more negotiating power due to labor shortages.

Sheep Farming Benefits

Easier farming practice that required fewer personnel compared to traditional crop farming.

Black Death Timing

The plague first hit England in 1348, drastically changing society.

Long-Term Effects of the Black Death

Social, political, and economic consequences that reshaped the structure of British society.

Life Quality Improvement for Some Peasants

Some peasants improved their lives and status by negotiating better conditions post-plague.

Enclosure Impact

Enclosure of farms changed the landscape and farming practices of rural England.

Church Authority Questioned

The inability of the Church to explain suffering during the plague led to diminished authority.

41% of England's Priests Death Toll

The significant loss of clergy resulted in a shortage of spiritual leaders.

Crisis of Faith Post-Plague

The Black Death caused many to doubt religious explanations for suffering.

Economic Attraction of Landlord Policies

Flexible rent and unfair wages led to a more diversified rural economy post-Black Death.

Black Death as a Catalyst for Change

The pandemic triggered shifts in labor dynamics and agricultural practices.

Population Decline Timeline

The population of England did not recover to previous levels until the 17th century.

Legislation against Peasant Mobility

Laws introduced to inhibit peasant mobility were often ineffective.

Rural Economy Transformation

The labor market and farming economy transformed significantly after the Black Death.

Clerical Shortcomings

Underqualified clergy led to an erosion of faith and dissatisfaction among the populace.

Peasant Mobility Restrictions

Legislation meant to restrict peasants from moving to higher-paying jobs was frequently circumvented.

Transformation of Land Relationships

The Black Death transformed the nature of relationships between landowners and peasants.