for legal business an "officer of the court" which has appointed
him.

- - - Chapter 9 - - -

- The Times: 1348-1399 -

Waves of the black death, named for the black spots on the body,
swept over the nation. The black blotches were caused by extensive
internal bleeding. The plague was carried in the blood of black
rats and transmitted to humans by the bite of the rat flea, but
this cause was unknown. The first wave of this plague, in 1348,
lasted for three years and desolated the nation by about one half
the population in the towns and one third in the country. People
tried to avoid the plague by flight. The agony and death of so
many good people caused some to question their belief in God.
Also, it was hard to understand why priests who fled were less
likely to die than priests who stayed with the dying to give them
the last rites. Legal and judicial, as well as other public
business, ceased for two years, interrupted by the plague. Thus
begins a long period of disorganization, unrest, and social
instability. Customary ways were so upset that authority and
tradition were no longer automatically accepted. Fields lay waste
and sheep and cattle wandered over the countryside. Local courts
could seldom be held. Some monasteries in need of cash sold
annuities to be paid in the form of food, drink, clothing, and
lodging during the annuitant's life, and sometimes that of his
widow also. Guilds and rich men made contributions to the poor and
ships with provisions were sent to various parts of the country
for the relief of starving people. In London, many tradesmen and
artisans formed parish fraternities which united people of all
social levels and women on almost equal terms with men, in
communal devotion and mutual support, such as help in resolving
disputes, moral guidance, money when needed, and burial and
masses.

Farm workers were so rare that they were able to demand wages at
double or triple the pre-plague rate. The pre-plague had been 4-6d.
daily for masons, carpenters, plasterers, and tilers and 3d. for
their laborers. These laborers could buy 12 cheap loaves, 3
gallons of ale, and a gallon of cheap wine or half a pair of
shoes. Prices did not go up nearly as much as wages. Villeins
relinquish their tenements, and deserted their manors, to get
better wages elsewhere. They became nomadic, roaming from place to
place, seeking day work for good wa