Black Death

• When did the Black Death epidemic occur in England?

  Between 1348 and 1350
• Where did the Black Death first arrive in England?

  Weymouth
• How was the Black Death primarily spread?

  By fleas living on rats
• What were the three types of plague during the Black Death?

  Bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague
• What were the symptoms of bubonic plague?

  Bubos, fever, blisters, and death within a few days
• What did medieval people believe caused the Black Death?

  God's punishment for sins, astrology, and miasma
• How did medieval people attempt to treat the Black Death?

  They tried remedies like bloodletting, praying, and distancing themselves
• Who was the king of England during the Black Death?

  King Edward III
• What were the symptoms and characteristics of the three types of plague during the Black Death?

  Bubonic Plague:

  • Bubos, fever, blisters, death within days

  
  

  Septicemic Plague:

  • Bleeding, diarrhea, vomiting, blackened extremities

  
  

  Pneumonic Plague:

  • Coughing blood, chest pain, rapid death
• What were the common beliefs about the causes of the Black Death?

  • Punishment from God
  • Astrology and unusual planetary movements
  • Miasma (bad smells)
  • Imbalance of humors
• What were the responses of medieval people to the Black Death?

  • Running away or seeking pure air
  • Burning herbs and candles for purification
  • Flagellation for forgiveness
  • Isolation from others
• How did the role of the church change during the Black Death?

  • Encouraged confession and forgiveness
  • Some priests spread the disease
  • Decline in respect for the church
• What were the public health improvements in London post-Black Death?

  • Appointment of officials to check cleanliness
  • Rebuilding of latrines
  • Extension of water supply pipes
  • Formation of guilds for road repair