Gone Medieval How to Survive the 14th Century
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May 30, 2025 Historian Helen Carr, author of 'Scepted Isle,' dives into the tumultuous 14th century, unraveling gripping tales of resilience and upheaval. She discusses the chaos of the Peasants' Revolt and the transformative impact of the Black Death on society. The mental struggles of kings like Edward II and Richard II reveal a personal side to history. Carr also highlights the influential roles of queens, the extravagance of 14th-century courts, and how medieval art reflects societal views on mortality. This era laid the foundation for modern Britain.
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Layering Sources for Truth
- Medieval chronicles offer biased perspectives filtered through their authors' positions and patrons.
- Combining these with governmental and petition records uncovers a fuller historical picture including marginalized voices.
False Pregnancy or Historical Bias?
- Maud de Boer’s near three-year pregnancy claim after her husband's death likely stemmed from a medical condition, not deception.
- This challenges prior assumptions shaped by a male-biased historical perspective.
Edward II’s Power Mistake
- Edward II destabilized medieval power by elevating low-status favorites above nobles.
- This narrowed and weakened the feudal pyramid’s base, making his reign precarious and ultimately unstable.
