The Black Death

The Black Death is the worst catastrophe in recorded human history. It ravaged Europe between 1347 and 1353, killing almost one half of the population, and then returned repeatedly over the next three centuries. Our understanding of the nature of the disease and the cause of its sudden eruption has changed in the past ten years due to advances in DNA sampling and knowledge about the medieval climate. Whatever its cause, its impact shook society to its roots, provoking contemporaries to reflect that the world had been turned upside down.

This course considers the causes and explores the consequences of this catastrophe in England, a country for which local sources are especially rich and abundant. The immediate reaction of the government, church authorities and local communities is contrasted with the longer-term changes in society, religion, art, literature and the economy, and contemporary explanations are contrasted with those of modern historians. The fate of victims and the focus upon the mortality of the flesh is explored alongside the unparalleled opportunities for the survivors, the redistribution of wealth and associated social upheaval. The impact of changing attitudes to epidemic disease upon both public health and measures to evade or control disease is discussed. Extensive use will be made of original sources, suitably translated into English, which will be provided and analysed in seminar style discussion throughout the course.