Second Statute of Labourers, 1351
| The years 1349-51 saw the introduction of a series of statutes designed
to peg the prices that could be charged for labour and trades at pre-plague
levels, and to control the movement of workers, especially agricultural
labourers. Local gentry, who were entitled to try local cases, used
this and other laws to enforce their authority. Moreover, any fines
they levied were set against their own tax contributions.
In 1361, when the first justices of the peace were created, the
local gentry also acquired the right to hear and determine cases
concerning particular categories of crime. This made them much more
powerful within the local community, and increased their ability
to intervene in the lives of their poorer neighbours. By measures
such as these, the ruling elites were able to limit the enhanced
economic power gained by the workforce as a result of the plague
years. |
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