Anonymous

The plague brought a radical change in the feudal economy of medieval Europe. As the population decreased, and as serfs and peasants found their labor in high demand, many who had once been tied to the land and to the rural manors of their lords fled their feudal bondage. Some established small estates of their own, while others moved to urban areas, where they freely offered their goods and services to the public.

The following statute, dated June 18, 1349, was passed by the English crown to contend with the changed economy. Free workers were obliged to accept employment, and enjoined not to overcharge for their services. The law required employers not to pay too much in wages and merchants to sell their goods for a reasonable price. In passing these laws, Edward III, the king of England...