The Later Middle Ages: 1272-1485 by George Holmes

Description

The Later Middle Ages: 1272-1485 by George Holmes is a book that explores the social, political, and economic changes that took place in England and Wales during the later part of the Middle Ages. The book covers the period from the death of Henry III in 1272 to the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, which marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor dynasty.

Holmes argues that the Black Death, which struck England in 1348-49, was a watershed moment in English history. The plague caused a massive decline in population, which in turn led to a number of social and economic changes. For example, the labor shortage caused by the plague led to an increase in wages for peasants and other workers. This, in turn, led to a decline in the power of the aristocracy and the rise of a new merchant class.

The book also explores the political history of England during this period, including the reigns of Edward I, Edward II, Edward III, Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V, and Henry VI. Holmes argues that these monarchs were all preoccupied with issues of war and finance, and that their neglect of domestic affairs contributed to the social and economic problems of the period.