The Black Death

The Black Death

Black Death was the modem name given to the deadly bubonic plague, an epidemic disease spread by rat fleas. It spread through Europe in the 14th century, particularly in 1347-1350. It swept through England in the summer of 1348 without warning and more importantly, without any cure. It did not spare its victims, rich or poor, and death was swift and very painful. It killed between one half and one third of the population of England. Followed by lesser epidemics during the next fifty years, it had reduced England’s population from four million to two million by the end of the 14th century.