- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Serfdom was a coercive relationship between a landowner and peasant, which was widespread across medieval and early modern Europe. It features prominently in major historical debates, such as the origins of capitalism and the divergent pathways of western and eastern Europe to modernity. Scholars have paid particular attention to English serfdom, which is usually portrayed as highly oppressive and a major cause of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381.
This comprehensive survey draws on a vast scholarship and new research to show how, in reality, English serfdom was weak, casting new light on the nature of its society and economy when the Black Death struck in 1348-9. The pandemic now assumes a central role in the rapid decline of serfdom, as illustrated in a case study of the estate of one of England's harshest landowners, St Albans abbey.
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Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Half Title
- Series Information
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- List of tables
- Acknowledgements
- List of maps
- Introduction
- Part I Serfdom in theory and practice
- Part II Serfdom in England: Causes and consequences
- Part III Serfdom in England: The impact of the Black Death through three case studies
- Bibliography
- Index