Black Death
History: KS3, topic 7.1.3
Black Death
The Black Death created a shortage of workers. Consequently, peasants demanded higher wages which were denied in the Statute of Labourers of 1351.
Shortage of workers
- After the Black Death in 1348, there was a shortage of workers.
- Between 30-50% of the population in England had died.
Higher wages?
- As a result, the remaining peasants thought they could ask for higher wages.
- They felt that they were more valuable now and if their lord did not agree to pay them higher wages they could leave, which meant the lord would have nobody to work his land.
Statute of Labourers
- The Statute of Labourers of 1351 said wages would stay the same as before the Black Death.
- This made the peasants very angry.
Test yourself on Black Death
What was denied to peasants in the Statute of Labourers of 1351?