Explore how medieval England tried to regulate work in the wake of the Black Death.
This volume examines the enforcement of the Statutes of Labourers during the first decade after 1349, revealing the legal framework and practical challenges of enforcing wage and service rules.
Drawing on records, writs, and contemporary accounts, it shows how statutes were interpreted, who enforced them, and what this meant for workers, employers, and local government. The book illuminates the mechanics of enforcement, from central courts to local officials, and the broader social and economic effects of these laws.
- What the Statutes of Labourers were and why they mattered in the 14th century
- How enforcement worked, including the roles of sheriffs, justices, and other officials
- How wage controls and labor obligations affected workers and employers
- Key sources and methods used to study enforcement and its outcomes
Ideal for readers interested in medieval law, economic history, and the governance of early modern England.