The Fourteenth Century 1307-1399

Published in 1959 as part of the Oxford History of England series, provides a detailed political, social, and cultural history of England during a turbulent century. Covering the reigns of Edward II, Edward III, and Richard II, McKisack examines the period’s major events and transformations.

The book begins with Edward II’s troubled reign (1307–1327), marked by baronial conflicts, his deposition, and the influence of figures like Piers Gaveston and Queen Isabella. Edward III’s long rule (1327–1377) brought relative stability, military success in the Hundred Years’ War (e.g., victories at Crécy and Poitiers), and the rise of the Black Death, which killed nearly a third of the population, reshaping labor and social structures. Richard II’s reign (1377–1399) saw growing unrest, including the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, economic strain, and his eventual deposition by Henry IV.

McKisack also explores the growth of parliamentary power, the Church’s role amid the Great Schism, and cultural developments, such as the works of Chaucer. She highlights the century’s economic shifts, including the decline of feudalism and the rise of a mercantile economy. Drawing on primary sources, the book remains a foundational text for understanding late medieval England’s complexities, balancing royal politics with broader societal changes.