Books by R. H. Hilton

This book portrays the rural and urban economies and the social structure of the West Midlands of England at a peak period of medieval growth, the end of the thirteenth century. The subject matter ranges from lords to peasants, from merchants to artisans, and from bishops to parish priests.

The rising of 1381 was 'one of the most portentous events in the whole of our history', to quote the famous medievalist William Stubbs. It has been the subject of many works, specialized and popular, especially since the 600th anniversary in 1981. This present volume eschews general narrative history.