The Black Death, an Eyewitness Account

In July 1348, a devastating pestilence arrived in England, spreading from Dorset to the north, killing a third of the population. The massive death toll led to a shortage of people to care for the sick or bury the dead. The pestilence was seen as divine punishment for the sins and corruption of the people.

Where did the pestilence first arrive in England in 1348?

• Port of Malcolm in Dorset

• Canterbury

• London

• York

What was the impact of the pestilence as it moved northwards?

• It was stopped by a natural barrier

• It only affected rural areas

• It left no city, town, or village untouched

• It was contained in the south

What fraction of the English population died due to the pestilence?

• One third

• One quarter

• One half

• One fifth

What was one of the major consequences of the pestilence in terms of population?

• An increase in population

• A shortage of people to care for the sick

• A surplus of workers

• An abundance of food

How was the pestilence interpreted in religious terms?

• As a test of faith

• As a random event

• As a natural disaster

• As a punishment for sins