Economy

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During the time of the plague, many people were dying. Landlords who owned the land had difficulty finding workers. Many refused to change their way and went bankrupt. Others were willing to offer special contracts and compensation for their fields to be worked. Workers who had stayed alive got inflated wages, anywhere from 2 - 3 times normal salary. Due to this rise and lack of workers, price of supplies increased.

Peasants and serfs took advantage of this situation and had an easier time escaping from serfdom, either finding family or going to another Nobleman/Monarch for better treatment. This also caused towns to depopulate and landlords to lose money.

Monarchs sought to stabilize the situation by passing laws against raising wages or reducing village customs. Landlords and Urban craftsmen incentivized workers by raising their incomes and reducing their obligations. They also offered them fringe benefits, including owning their own home or not paying taxes.

Many landholders were force to sell off portions of their lands. Many lands were purchased by people of lower class and attempted to raise their social standing. Landholders moved away from crops and to commercial animals such as sheep instead.

When Black Death struck England, it eliminated half the countries labor force. This caused the remaining labors value to increase. Employers responded quickly by raising wages, improving working conditions, and in-kind benefits such as food and drinks.

King Edward III stirred to stop this and made employers roll back payment to that of 1346. In 1350, new laws were passed that there were no side deals upon hiring, all men and women under the age of 60 had to work.

After the plague, many newly weathy people tried to act of higher class