The Social and Economic Landscape

The Social and Economic Landscape

Blog Article

Beyond the wars, late medieval England was undergoing significant changes in its social fabric. The Black Death of the mid-14th century, which wiped out a large portion of the population, reshaped the labor force and had profound economic implications. The reduction in the population led to a rise in wages for the surviving peasants and laborers, but it also caused widespread social unrest and demands for better conditions. The Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was a direct result of these tensions, reflecting the growing frustration among the lower classes with their economic conditions and the heavy taxes levied by the crown.

Meanwhile, the role of the church remained central to both governance and social life. The Catholic Church wielded tremendous power, not only as a religious institution but also as a political and economic force. However, the late medieval period also saw the beginnings of religious reform that would culminate in the English Reformation in the 16th century, triggered by Henry VIII's break with Rome.

Hannah Skoda and Her Contribution to Understanding Late Medieval England

Hannah Skoda, a scholar and academic with a deep interest in medieval studies, has become an influential voice in the study of late medieval England. Her academic work often focuses on legal history, medieval literature, and the relationship between religion and the law. Through her research, Skoda has helped to illuminate the legal frameworks of late medieval England, providing a nuanced understanding of how law shaped and was shaped by the political and social circumstances of the time.

Skoda's research particularly sheds light on medieval justice systems and how they were influenced by the monarchy, the church, and emerging concepts of personal rights. Her work challenges traditional views of medieval society as one of absolute authority and instead reveals the complexities of legal practice during this period. For instance, her examinations of medieval court records and legal documents provide a rich tapestry of how disputes, especially those involving land and inheritance, were settled and the role that women played in these processes. shutdown123

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