A Short History of England

The narrative explores a transformative period in society, highlighting the shift from slavery to serfdom and the rise of the peasant class amidst evolving social structures. It delves into the implications of unwritten customs and the lawlessness that accompanies social evolution, as the emancipation of the commons progresses without legal recognition. The backdrop of the French Wars and the devastating Black Death exacerbates societal disparities, culminating in a peasant uprising led by figures like Wat Tyler, challenging the oppressive forces of the aristocracy.