Allton and The Black Death

Key Figures in Allton

  • Villagers: The primary inhabitants of Allton, whose lives were significantly impacted by the Black Death.

  • Adam Smith: A Villein (serf) tied to the land.

  • Henry Brewer: A Freeman, not bound to the Lord.

  • Sir John Lovell: The Lord of Allton.

Villeins

  • Definition: Villeins were a class of serf tied to the land under the feudal system. They were obligated to work on the lord's fields in exchange for land to cultivate for themselves.

  • Obligations: They had to spend some of their time working on the lord's fields as part of their contract with the lord of the manor.

  • Restrictions: Villeins were not allowed to leave the land without the lord's permission.

Freemen

  • Definition: Freemen were not bound to the Lord of the village.

  • Occupations: They could pursue any occupation they chose.

  • Dependence: Despite their freedom, they were still dependent on the Lord of the village for work or to sell their goods.

  • Rights: Freemen had the right to marry anyone they wished.

Perspectives Before the Black Death

Adam Smith (Villein)

  • Economic Status: He has enough to get by and support his family.

  • Land Sufficiency: Villeins receive enough land from Sir John to grow their food.

  • Discontent: Many villeins were unhappy that freemen were better off.

  • Wage Inequality: Sir Robert is increasing the wages of the freemen, but the villeins receive no benefit.

  • Desire for Freedom: Villeins express a desire for freedom.

Henry Brewer (Freeman)

  • Economic Status: He is barely making ends meet because he is on his own.

  • Land Sufficiency: Has only enough land to grow food for his family.

Note:* Most freeman aren’t so lucky.

Sir John Lovell (Lord)

  • Labor Management: He has so many people that he can release some villeins, which enables him to pay workers less.

Note:* Sir John implies that there are so many people he can release people so he no longer has to pay them.

  • Future Concerns: Concerned that too many villeins will leave.

Note:* Sir John is unable to find enough people to work for him and is thankful his father did not free the villeins.

Impact of the Black Death on Villeins

  • The Black Death significantly changed the lives of the Villeins.

  • Before the Black Death, most villeins [worked for the lord and had limited rights], meaning [they were tied to the land and had to provide labor].

  • After the Black Death, villeins were [presented with opportunities due to the scarcity of labor and labor shortage opportunities].

  • This shows that villeins [gained leverage and could demand better terms].

  • Overall, villeins’ lives were [improved] because of the [scarcity] of workers and the Lord’s reluctance to [lose control].