The fourteenth century was disastrous for Britain as well as most of
Europe, because of the effect of wars and plagues. Probably one-third of
Europe's population died of plague. Hardly anywhere escaped its effects.
Britain and France suffered, too, from the damages of war. In the 1330s
England began a long struggle against the French Crown. In France villages were
raided or destroyed by passing armies. France and England were exhausted
economically by the cost of maintaining armies. England had the additional
burden of fighting the Scots, and maintaining control of Ireland and Wales,
both of which were trying
...
Читать дальше »
