3.2.4 The Black Death 1348

In 1348, a terrible plague known as the Black Death arrived in England. It was carried by fleas on rats and spread rapidly through the population. The Black Death killed about one-third of the population of England — possibly as many as two million people. Whole villages were wiped out, and there were not enough people left to farm the land.

The Black Death had a profound effect on English society. With so many workers dead, those who survived could demand higher wages. The feudal system began to break down as peasants gained more freedom and power. Labour became scarce and valuable, which eventually led to significant social and economic changes across England.