History Extra Podcast Summary: "Plague, Famine and Chivalry: A Human History of the 14th Century"

Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Immediate Media
Featured Historian: Emily Briffet

Introduction

In the episode titled "Plague, Famine and Chivalry: A Human History of the 14th Century," historian Emily Briffet delves into one of the most tumultuous periods in English history. Presented by Immediate Media on the History Extra podcast, this episode explores the intricate lives of three English monarchs—Edward II, Edward III, and Richard II—and examines how plague, famine, and evolving concepts of chivalry reshaped society in the 14th century.

Edward II: A Tumultuous Reign

Start of Edward II’s Reign ([03:35])

Emily Briffet begins by setting the stage with the transition of power from Edward I to Edward II in 1307. She describes Edward II's ascension as a daunting task, especially in the shadow of his formidable predecessor, known as the "Hammer of the Skull" or "Longshanks." Unlike Edward I, Edward II lacked military prowess and political acumen, focusing instead on his personal relationships within the court.

"Edward II was just not the same man as his father. He didn't really have the taste for war. He didn't have political nous." ([03:49])

Destabilizing Power Structures ([05:59])

Briffet explains how Edward II's favoritism towards Piers Gaveston destabilized established power hierarchies. By elevating Gaveston to positions of power, Edward II undermined traditional nobility, leading to significant political unrest.

"When you start handing out power to people that are just your favorite people, that's going to be a real problem." ([05:59])

The Wheel of Fortune: Metaphor for Unpredictability

Metaphor Explanation ([07:14])

The episode introduces the "Wheel of Fortune" as a metaphor to illustrate the volatile nature of 14th-century politics. This concept reflects the rapid shifts in power, where nobles could swiftly ascend to prominence or fall into disgrace.

"One moment you're at the top of the wheel and then the goddess Fortuna turns, and then you're crushed beneath its spokes." ([07:14])

Opposition and Civil Strife

From Gaveston to Despenser ([08:31])

Following Gaveston's downfall, Edward II turns to Hugh Despenser the Younger for support, further exacerbating tensions. Despenser's greed and ambition lead to increased oppression and eventual civil war between loyalist factions and rebel nobles, culminating in the eventual beheading of Thomas of Lancaster.

Isabella of France: A Power Shift ([12:34])

Emily Briffet highlights Queen Isabella's pivotal role in overthrowing Edward II. Initially a dutiful queen, Isabella's alliance with Roger Mortimer marks a dramatic shift as she invades England, leading to Edward II's deposition and the rise of Edward III.

"Isabella brings an army over to England and she invades. And this is all the turning point for Edward and his power then completely starts to crumble." ([12:37])

Edward III and the Age of Chivalry

Establishing Order and Chivalry ([15:23])

Edward III's reign is portrayed as an era of renewed hope and chivalric valor. By founding the Order of the Garter and promoting tournaments, Edward III fostered a sense of national identity and martial excellence.

"Another important thing that he does is he rehashes it into this equally very pious state of being." ([15:32])

The Hundred Years War ([18:05])

Briffet touches upon the origins of the Hundred Years War, emphasizing Edward III's claim to the French throne and the ensuing battles, including the significant Battle of Crecy and the Siege of Calais.

"Edward wanted to be sovereign of England, but also France, part of France." ([18:05])

Warfare and Its Atrocities ([19:57])

While Edward III is celebrated for his military successes, Briffet does not shy away from discussing the brutal realities of war during this period, including widespread destruction and atrocities committed by English forces in France.

"He does not want women to be raped and children killed and people be tortured. Of course he didn't want that." ([19:57])

Social Catastrophes: Famine and the Black Death

Impact of Famine ([24:32])

The episode delves into the devastating famine that preceded the Black Death, highlighting severe agricultural failures and their catastrophic effects on the population.

"There was a lot that went on, two regicides as well. So I think it's reasonable that it has been called the calamitous century." ([03:35])

The Black Death ([25:38])

Briffet provides a comprehensive overview of the Black Death's profound impact, detailing mortality rates, societal upheaval, and the psychological toll on survivors. She emphasizes that the Black Death was not a singular event but a recurring series of outbreaks that deeply scarred medieval society.

"Immeasurably. I mean, it completely turned the world upside down." ([25:38])

Human Responses and Societal Changes ([27:41])

Through vivid descriptions and references to literary works like Boccaccio's Decameron, Briffet illustrates how individuals and communities grappled with fear, loss, and attempts to find meaning amidst widespread death.

"It's the historical record that we rely on to give us the facts of what history ends up being." ([48:17])

Richard II: The Fragile Monarch

Early Reign and Vulnerability ([37:56])

Richard II's ascension as a child king exposed England to unprecedented vulnerabilities. Briffet explores how his perceived innocence and lack of preparedness contributed to political instability and his eventual downfall.

"He couldn't cope through adolescence and age and responsibility because he had not been equipped for it." ([40:04])

The Peasants Revolt ([40:09])

The discussion covers the 1381 Peasants Revolt, framing it not merely as a peasant uprising but as a broader social movement involving various classes demanding fair treatment and resisting oppressive taxation.

"The Black Death actually really is the initiator of the Peasants Revolt." ([40:09])

Downfall and Aftermath ([43:14])

Richard II's inability to effectively rule and his retreat into intellectual and artistic pursuits contributed to his loss of power, leading to his eventual overthrow.

Power Dynamics in the 14th Century

Community of Power ([43:30])

Briffet synthesizes the reigns of Edward II, Edward III, and Richard II to illustrate how power was deeply intertwined with established hierarchies and the support of the nobility. Effective rule required a delicate balance between personal authority and noble alliances.

"Power relied hugely on community of power." ([43:30])

Varied Approaches to Kingship

• Edward II: His willingness to delegate power disrupted traditional structures, leading to instability.
• Edward III: Leveraged chivalric ideals and military prowess to consolidate power, though not without ethical compromises.
• Richard II: His detachment and idealistic pursuits weakened his authority, making his reign precarious.

Humanity Behind the Crown

Emotional Depths of Monarchs ([46:01])

Emily Briffet emphasizes the human aspects of these monarchs, exploring their personal struggles, relationships, and psychological complexities. This humanization provides a nuanced understanding of their actions and decisions.

"They were human beings who had deep love. The relationship between Edward II and Piers Gaveston ... was a relationship of deep love." ([46:01])

Understanding History Through Humanity

Briffet argues that recognizing the human experiences behind historical events enriches our understanding of the past, moving beyond mere dates and facts to appreciate the emotions and motivations that shaped history.

"Human experiences are what makes history... It's a history of humanity because that is what his historians we write about." ([48:17])

Conclusion

The 14th century in England was a period marked by profound upheaval, from political strife and social revolutions to devastating plagues and the rise of chivalric ideals. Through the detailed exploration of monarchs Edward II, Edward III, and Richard II, Emily Briffet presents a vivid tableau of a society grappling with power, survival, and identity. By focusing on the human elements behind historical events, the episode underscores the enduring relevance of understanding history as a tapestry of individual and collective experiences.

This episode's write-up is featured in the June 2025 issue of BBC History Magazine.