Reactions to Black Death Flashcards
Why did people carry posies of flowers
They believed it would purify the air
How did people believe miasma spread
Through sweaty skin. This meant it was dangerous to take hot baths or do vigorous exercise
Why did people turn their heads to those that were suffering
They believe you could catch the disease by looking someone in the eyes
When did the Black Death reach the north of England
December 1349
What percentage of the population was killed by the Black Death
60% ( 3.5 million )
Why did the rich move to the countryside
To find pure air
When did king Edward III write a letter to the mayor of London
April 1349
Why did king Edward write a letter to the mayor of London
He instructed the mayor to clean up the streets
When did the Black Death die down
1350
Why did people tie live toads or chickens over their buboes
To warm and soften the painful swellings
Why was blood letting common
It aimed to restore the balance of the four humours but made the patient weaker
What did people believe about god and the plague
They believed god was punishing them for sinning
Why did the price of wax soar in 1349
Many people were burning candles to pray for healing of the Black Death and to get rid of miasma
Why did the king order bishops to arrange large processions of priests
They would confess the nations sins in hopes of the plague disappearing
What were flagellants
They were people who came from Northern Europe and would whip there bare backs with leather whips in hope that god would see there self sacrifice and stop the plague
