It seemed like the end of days: the eerie wasteland of 14th-century Europe
Edward's 50-year reign dominated 14th-century England. But, as we see in Sceptred Isle, Helen Carr's gripping narrative account of the period, Edward himself was dominated by the dream of taking the French crown. It led him to launch two great invasions, one in 1346 and the other in 1359. It is not hard to understand why the French experience of English armies was something like the end of world. According to one chronicler: 'The English destroyed, burned and plundered many little towns, capturing or even killing the inhabitants.' Cernay was reduced to ashes. The people of Orly were massacred in their parish church. There were many Cernays and Orlys. But Edward failed to take Reims, where the kings of France had been crowned for centuries. He never attempted Paris.
Between Edward's two invasions both countries – and the whole continent – were ravaged by another apocalyptic horror in the shape of the Black Death. In the space of a couple of years at the end of the 1340s it killed around half the population of Europe. In London, they buried 200 corpses a day; in St Albans there weren't enough living to bury the dead.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's most vape-addicted counties named in worrying new figures
Alarming new data from experts have revealed the top 10 vape-addicted counties across the UK, with the Big Smoke ironically ranking seventh and a surprising English 'winner' The UK is in a strawberry-scented cloud chokehold, with one county being dubbed Britain's vape capital. Despite the government recently clamping down on vaping by banning single-use devices - many Brits are still hooked on their Lost Mary and Elf bars. Companies have adapted to the ban quickly, selling similar-priced devices with a single-use pod that can be taken out and replaced. While this is substantially better than exclusively flogging disposable vapes, it has sparked concern that these reusable devices will still be viewed as throwaway products - despite containing precious metals. After many Brits chose to stockpile on single-use vapes before the ban, it is predicted that millions of vapes will still be thrown away or littered every single week. But, which counties are the worst culprits when it comes to sucking on these insatiably popular devices? Well, a new report by Vape Ease UK has mapped out the country's nicotine addiction after analysing data on the number of vape shops in each area, as well as the percentage of adult vapers, and how often locals are Googling the word 'vape'. Lancashire, located in North West England, was named and shamed as Britain's vape capital, with a whopping 40 vape shops per 100,000 people in the region of Accrington. Vape Ease UK states the adult vaping rate in the region is around eight to nine per cent, while the search interest for 'vape' is 'massive'. "From Blackburn to Burnley, vaping is part of daily life — and Accrington leads the UK in per-person vape shop access," the experts said in a statement sent to the Mirror. Following a close second is Greater Manchester - with 33 vape shops per 100,000 residents in Bolton and 26 shops per 100,000 residents in Stockport. "Seven out of the UK's top 15 vaping hotspots are in Greater Manchester," the pros added. "Vape shops are everywhere, and locals are constantly Googling e-liquids and devices. It's a true vape stronghold." UK's most vape-addicted counties - the full list Lancashire Greater Manchester North East (Durham and Teeside) West Yorkshire West Midlands Northern Ireland Greater London South Wales Devon Nottinghamshire While vaping was long touted as a better alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes, research has started to shed light on just how bad vapes are for the body. As previously reported, these fruit-flavoured devices can still increase the risk of a slew of diseases including dementia, heart disease and organ failure. The biggest risk with vaping seems to be its ubiquitous nature. As Dr Boidin points out: "Smokers tend to go outside and smoke, and once a cigarette is finished they have to light up another to keep going. "But with vapes, you just keep going and it's much harder to know how many puffs you've had. It's much easier to vape continuously because you can do it in places where smoking might be less acceptable."
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
I tried to give Gran a hug – her reaction still haunts me
As soon as Gran opened her front door, I excitedly ran over to embrace her. But just as I got close, she forcefully pushed me away. I was 10 and visiting her during the school holidays, alongside my older brother and mum. She hugged my brother warmly and spoke to him affectionately. Meanwhile, I kept getting told off for things that went over my head. To this day, I still don't know why she thought I deserved that – and similar interactions have routinely happened ever since. My maternal grandmother has never written me a warm message in a Christmas or birthday card, told me funny stories from her younger days, or even looked concerned for my welfare. In fact, she's been actively hostile. By the time I was in college, she'd make disparaging remarks like, 'you'll never work in your life' or 'you'll just live on benefits'. This is despite me voluntarily mowing Gran's lawn, washing her car, painting her fences, and helping out wherever I could between my studies. Her words hurt and made me angry. I wanted to react but my mum would shake her head as if to say 'don't'. I felt stifled and had to bottle up my feelings. On one occasion around the same time, I stayed overnight and – without provocation – she said I was 'emotionally thick', that I'll amount to nothing and I'll die alone. I was in total shock at what I heard. I was lost for words. I was stunned that my mum didn't say anything. During university, I actively avoided Gran whenever I could. But at my graduation in the mid-2010s, she came to the ceremony with my parents and brother, even though I didn't want her there. While the rest of the family were away from the table at one point, she said to me that I'd likely be in the dole office the following week. She spread a bizarre and unfounded rumour I was a neo-Nazi Three years of university, hard work, an exchange semester abroad and volunteer work in my free time, from teaching English privately and working in charity shops to gain retail experience. None of it seemed to matter to her. I felt invalidated. I calmly replied that wasn't to be the case because I'd received a scholarship for an intensive language course in Germany and had a job lined up after that. Gran simply grimaced and looked away quickly as my brother and parents returned, as if to hide what had just happened. Even after I moved to Germany, her nastiness continued, and she spread a bizarre and unfounded rumour I was a neo-Nazi. Once again, I didn't confront her. I was discouraged from saying anything by other relatives and told it wouldn't make any difference. I lived and worked in Germany for a few years, then came back to the UK and got a job in the NHS. But when I called Mum to tell her my happy news, Gran was in the background and I heard her say: 'That sounds like a lot of responsibility for someone like you.' Thankfully, Mum stood up for me on this occasion but I ended the call and felt so upset that another good moment had been spoiled. The physical and mental toll of her actions has been immense. I've gained a lot of weight and I have high blood pressure, low self-esteem, and I recently had to take time off work due to depression. My work arranged counselling sessions, and Gran's demeanour towards me was a key focus. I told the therapist that I believed it has led to my lack of any sense of belonging within our family as well as a constant need to validate or justify my every action. I feel like an outcast and adrift. The therapist could only surmise that there was significant damage and it would take more than just our sessions to begin any sort of healing process or self-care. To this day, I have never had an explanation for why Gran dislikes me or treats me the way she does. Whenever I have expressed to my mum, dad and brother that I want to confront Gran, I am discouraged and told that I'll never get an answer. And so, I have lost all hope of any successful confrontation. Devastatingly, I found out that her hostility even predates my birth, when it was revealed that she had even suggested my parents abort me. This series aims to offer a nuanced look at familial estrangement. Estrangement is not a one-size-fits-all situation, and we want to give voice to those who've been through it themselves. If you've experienced estrangement personally and want to share your story, you can email My Gran is still alive, but we have no relationship. It is understandably difficult for my mum, who lives with Gran and feels caught in the middle, so for her sake I keep any interaction to a bare minimum: a polite 'hello', 'goodbye' or 'thank you', even if it is not reciprocated. As harsh as it sounds, I pretend Gran isn't in the room so that I can properly teach myself to ignore her frequent grimaces and scowls behind Mum's back, which most recently occurred at my brother's wedding. Given that I was his best man, I had a duty to perform and was not going to let any negativity spoil my brother's day. More Trending I could not let Gran win – and on that day, she didn't. This is not just estrangement – it's abuse – and I don't deserve to be treated that way. Grandmothers are supposed to be protectors, guides, and teachers. Mine can't even give me a hug. Thankfully, I have come to appreciate over the years that, no matter what twisted reason she thinks she has for hating me, it's simply her loss. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: My date showered me with compliments – until I turned down his request MORE: My date said I had one drink to impress him – so I downed it MORE: A weekly 'porn night' helps keep my relationship alive Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
NI eel industry failing to meet targets as Windsor Framework hampers ability to restock waterways
It comes after fishing was suspended for the rest of the 2025 season The Windsor Framework has hampered the importation of young eels to NI in recent years, with Lough Neagh officials forced to turn to France for stocking rather than sourcing from UK waters. It comes after a temporary shut-down in eel fishing on Lough Neagh was extended on Thursday to cover the rest of the eel fishing season. The initial decision by the Lough Neagh Fisherman's Co-Operative Society (LNFCS) was taken in May over concerns about the fat content of the eels in the Lough. It is understood the reduction in fat content is connected to significant changes in the Lough's food chain in recent years. Some 80% of Lough Neagh's eel catch is flown daily to the Netherlands to be smoked and sent to markets across Europe, with the remainder exported to England. "Unfortunately the sector is a casualty of significant environmental change within the Lough' – Kathleen McBride (LNFCS) In order to keep the process running smoothly, young eel — known as 'elver' — are imported to NI in the Spring and released into NI waters. However, a 2024 report into the implementation of the UK's Eel Management Plans (2020-2023) revealed Northern Ireland had not achieved its stocking target for any of the years included in the reporting period. The report indicated this was due to a 'disconnect in timing of supply with demand, costs and issues associated with EU exit'. Guidelines on eel management also recommend that 40% are allowed to escape to migrate back to the Sargasso Sea. The report indicated Northern Ireland had failed to meet this target at any time during the reporting period. Department figures have shown that more than 900kg of young eels have been imported to Northern Ireland from France over the last two years, Responding to Freedom of Information requests from this newspaper, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed almost 1,000kg in elver was imported over the last two seasons. A consignment of 400kg was received from the Loire Estuary in France in April 2024, while two separate batches of French eels totalling 516.6kg were sourced in March 2025. It is understood the 2024 delivery was a donation to the LNFCS, while one source told this newspaper this year's imports were a commercial transaction worth between £150,000 and £200,000. In previous years, the LNFCS could have imported elver from UK waters, such as the Severn Estuary, but DAERA said this had been impacted by the withdrawal deal signed by the UK and the EU in February 2023. "The Eel Management Plan for the Lough Neagh/Bann River basin is dependent on the restocking of juvenile eels to support the commercial fishery and meet the escape target,' said a spokesperson. "Under the Windsor Framework the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2023/2770 prohibits the import of glass eels from outside the EU into Northern Ireland. "Therefore, eels for restocking in Northern Ireland in 2025 were sourced from France.' Responsibility for the sourcing of eels for fishing in Lough Neagh lies with the LNFCS, who on Thursday moved to suspend fishing for the remainder of the season. "This is a blow for an industry that has commanded huge respect around the world' – DAERA Minister Andrew Muir The organisation declined to answer direct questions on the importation of eels, but said the decision had been taken to ensure the long term sustainability of the industry. "Over the last number of years, the quality of Lough Neagh brown eels and their sustainability for the premium European market has been decreasing,' said Chairperson Kathleen McBride. "Regrettably, following a number of sample tests during the summer and further recent feedback from the markets, an informed decision has been made by the society to close the brown eel fishing for the 2025 season. "It is hoped that by discontinuing fishing this year, long term it will protect the sustainability of the species and help to address concerns over the recovery of our prestigious market. "LNFCS are aware of the major impact this will have on fishers, their families and the wider community around Lough Neagh. "As a commercial industry on Lough Neagh, unfortunately the sector is a casualty of significant environmental change within the Lough. "LNFCS will continue to work collaboratively with DAERA to attempt to find a solution which will assist all those adversely affected by the closure of the 2025 eel fishing season on Lough Neagh.' For the third year in a row, toxic blue-green algae has been identified in Lough Neagh. A number of factors have contributed to its rise since 2023, with a warming climate and higher levels of nutrients in the water leading to swathes of algae blooming in NI's waterways. DAERA figures have indicated the agriculture industry is responsible for around 60% of those nutrients. The increasing presence of zebra mussels have resulted in clearer water, allowing sunlight to penetrate further and increase the levels of growth in the algae. Minister Andrew Muir said the closing of the fishing season was 'deeply regrettable' and that he would meet with industry representatives in the coming days. "This is a blow for an industry that has commanded huge respect around the world,' he said. "The next focus is now on the opening of the silver eel fishing season between September and December later this year. Eel fishing has been an intrinsic part of the history and heritage of communities around Lough Neagh.'
