History Extra podcast Plague, famine and chivalry: a human history of the 14th century
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Jun 3, 2025 Historian Helen Carr, author of "Sceptred Isle: A New History of the Fourteenth Century," guides listeners through the tumultuous 14th century. She examines the struggles of monarchs like Edward II, whose reign was marked by personal and political chaos. The devastating impacts of the Black Death and famine are explored, alongside the emergence of the Peasants' Revolt. Carr emphasizes the human stories behind these events, shedding light on the vulnerabilities and leadership challenges faced by rulers during this transformative era.
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Edward II's Power Sharing Fails
- Edward II's reign struggled because he tried to share power with favorites, destabilizing traditional power structures.
- The established hierarchy was crucial for maintaining political stability in 14th-century England.
Wheel of Fortune Metaphor
- The Wheel of Fortune metaphor illustrates the volatile shifts of power in Edward II's reign and the 14th century.
- Kings and nobles experienced rapid rises and falls influenced by political rivalries and betrayals.
Edward III's Chivalric Power
- Edward III united the nobility by creating a chivalric brotherhood, making war and tournaments popular.
- He linked kingship to mythology and religion, fueling national identity and royal prestige.
