Historical records from medieval England provide us with a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who survived the Black Death. Recent discoveries of detailed bone biographies, etched on the skeletal remains of those who passed away, have further shed light on how life was for people during this turbulent period of history.
The term “bone biographies” was coined by bioarchaeologist Piers Mitchell to describe the individual stories of life events that were inscribed on the bones of those who lived in Britain during the 1300’s. These stories often documented health issues, diet, injuries or illnesses suffered, and even occupations.
One example of a bone biography was found in one of the skeletons at the St Mary Magdalene cemetery in East Smithfield, London. This particular individual was male in his late thirties to early forties when he died and the marks seen on his skeleton indicated that, at some point in his life, he was a blacksmith. Further clues revealed he suffered from periodontitis or gum disease. It’s possible that his occupation as a blacksmith contributed to his dental condition as filings from his daily work may have been inhaled over time, causing the infection of his gums.
The fact that these bone biographies were written on the bodies of survivors of the Black Death give us an insight into how life was for those individuals during this devastating period. There is evidence that this plague caused population depressions in Europe, reducing the population by up to 50%. As such, there was a tremendous wage increase for those who survived.
This is especially noticeable in the recordings of bone biographies. Many of the skeletal remains included data on their occupations, with those of a higher status often identified. This suggests that many of the survivors of the Black Death held higher positions than before the pandemic, which could be related to the economic boom caused by the sudden wage increase.
The discovery of these bone biographies has added an invaluable insight into the lives of those who lived in medieval England. They provide us with a unique examination of the social, economic, and health impacts of this devastating period of history. As such, it further increases our understanding of what life was like during this period and how the Black Death shaped the lives of its survivors.