Black Death

The deadliest disease of the Medieval Age was the Black Death. It may have killed as many as half of the population of Europe. Medieval doctors were helpless against the Black Death. 

The Black Death struck first in England and the Scots said ‘it had befallen them through the revenging hand of God'. They called it 'the foul death of England'. The Scots planned to take advantage of the situation by invading England when the Black Death struck north of the border. 

'In 1350, there was a great pestilence and mortality of men in the kingdom of Scotland, and this pestilence also raged for many years before and after in various parts of the world.'

Scotichronicon, John of Fordun 

Medieval society was deeply affected by the Black Death. The existing order was challenged as surviving peasants were suddenly able to command a higher price for their work. Images of ‘the Danse Macabre’ - the Dance of Death - appeared in churches and cathedrals, reminding people that everyone, rich and poor alike, would all face death and judgement.  

'The first signs of the plague were lumps in the groin or armpits. After this, livid black spots appeared on the arms and thighs and other parts of the body. Few recovered. Almost all died within three days, usually without any fever.'

Boccaccio, Florence, 1348

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