HistoryExtra podcast Plague, famine and chivalry: a human history of the 14th century
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Jun 3, 2025 Historian Helen Carr, author of "Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century," guides listeners through the tumultuous 14th century. She examines the struggles of monarchs like Edward II, whose reign was marked by personal and political chaos. The devastating impacts of the Black Death and famine are explored, alongside the emergence of the Peasants' Revolt. Carr emphasizes the human stories behind these events, shedding light on the vulnerabilities and leadership challenges faced by rulers during this transformative era.
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Edward III's Chivalric Power
- Edward III united the nobility by creating a chivalric brotherhood, making war and tournaments popular.
- He linked kingship to mythology and religion, fueling national identity and royal prestige.
Harsh Reality of Medieval War
- Although Edward III styled war with chivalry, his campaigns in France inflicted brutal destruction on civilians.
- The harsh reality of warfare included rape, torture, and starvation, often overlooked in romanticized accounts.
Famine's Devastating Impact
- The 14th-century famine caused massive livestock die-offs and widespread starvation, devastating northern Europe.
- The poor suffered greatly due to soaring grain prices and successive failed harvests.
