The Black Death

In the 14th century a plague spread across Asia, Europe and Great Britain with such virulence that it changed the course of human history forever.

The Black Death, also known as the Plague and the Bubonic Plague, was an acute infection caused by the bacteria from the internal parasite of wild rodents such as rats, mice and squirrels. The bacteria were picked up by man as fleas deserted dead or dying animals to find fresh flesh and nourishment.

Bites ensured that the disease entered the bloodstream directly and it was not long before an epidemic had spread. The easiest symptoms to recognise were the chills, feverish temperatures and a black, blue or purple sore which would appear at the site of the bite. Most deaths occurred from blood poisoning after three to five days but some victims were known to take a month or longer to die.

Follow the march of the plague across Asia, Europe and then into Great Britain, a disease which put Middle Age England on the map, for all the wrong reasons.