The Black Death in England (1348-1350)

The Black Death was one of the most severe pandemics in the history of England and the world. In England, it would go on to wipe out nearly half of its population between 1348 and 1349. It would also go on to reach England's shores another six times after this.

The Black Plague reached England in 1348. It would start with a severe headache and a fever. Then may come vomiting, back pain and a soreness in the limbs. Soon burning lumps would appear that would turn black, and ooze blood and pus. In most cases, death would soon follow, within around three days.

It has been thought previously that the disease was caused by rats that carried fleas that could infect a person with this plague. However, very recent evidence that has been acquired from human remains found in north London suggest that fleas were not responsible. Scientists have gathered that the plague spread quickly, far too quickly for the cause to be fleas carried by rats. Instead it is now widely believed amongst academics that the bubonic plague was spread by 'droplet infection' also known as coughing and sneezing.

How did the Black Death reach England?

The Spread of Black Death

It is believed that the bubonic plague originated from China and other areas of Asia. The first appearance in Europe was in Sicily in the autumn of 1347. The plague travelled mostly by the trade routes, passing from traders that had contracted the plague. This assured the quick spread of the plague.

How did the English respond to the Black Death?

In this time period, there was an incredible lack of medical knowledge. This meant that the people would try anything to escape contracting the disease. Some of the most extreme and ludicrous was for example, witchcraft. Many believed that you should place a live hen next to the swelling to draw out the disease from the body. Then, for recovery, drink two glasses of your own urine twice a day. Others, the flagellants, believed that they should show their love for God, so in order to escape the disease. They would show their love by whipping themselves, in the hope that they would be spared. 

Flagellants

The Consequences of the Black Plague

The most immediate consequence of the Black Plague was that due to the high mortality rates, there was a shortage of labour. Those who survived the Black Death believed that they were special and so proceeded to attempt to improve their life after the Black Death had died out. Many peasants demanded higher wages or attempted to leave their villages, even though Feudal law stated peasants could only leave their village with their lord's permission. However many lord's would allow this, so the peasants could go and work for them. The peasants, aware of the shortage of labour, used this to increase their wages. 

The government introduced The Statute of Labourers in 1351 in an attempt to control this constant peasant movement within the countryside. This Statute said that no labourer was to be paid above the wage that they received in 1346, before the plague. Also, no peasant was allowed to permanently leave the village they belonged to. 

These repressive measures enforced by the government led to a build up of anger. This would eventually contribute to the Peasants Revolt in 1381. This Revolt would end up with the burning down of Savoy Palace and the killing of both the Chancellor and the Treasurer. The abolition of serfdom was demanded by the peasants, which was eventually granted. 

The Black Death would appear once again in England. It was last seen in England in what is known as the Great Plague of London, 1665-66. 

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