Friday, 11 April 2025
A new study from a 糖心原创 archaeologist has revealed surprising insights into the city’s medieval past, which challenge long-standing views on the impact of the Black Death and how the population of Nottingham changed between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Scott Lomax, a PhD researcher in the Department of Classics and Archaeology, has analysed the Nottingham borough court records and tax lists alongside archaeological evidence and found that the town’s population was growing well into the 1330s – later than previously thought.
While the Black Death of 1349 then caused devastating losses, with mortality likely to have been approximately 60 per cent of people, – recently published in the journal Continuity and Change – shows that Nottingham rebounded faster than historians have previously assumed, thanks to significant migration.
This study gives us a more accurate picture of medieval Nottingham. Previous studies of urban population change have examined tax records from 1377 and the 1520s and suggested a simple story of catastrophic decline after the Black Death, but my research shows a more complex reality.鈥�
Nottingham attracted new inhabitants in the aftermath of the Black Death and continued to do so, on an intermittent basis, especially during the late 14th and 15th centuries, with major expansion taking place during the early 16th century.
“This challenges long-standing views of archaeologists and historians on post-Black Death urban stagnation and decay in Nottingham and instead demonstrates resilience,” added Scott.
Areas like Narrow Marsh expanded significantly, showing that parts of the town thrived – even after the devastation of the plague – indicating the growth of leatherworking, especially tanning, at this riverside location.
Archaeological and documentary evidence also demonstrates the emergence of Narrow Marsh as a suburb of the town in the second half of the 14th century, and a booming one by the early 16th century. Growth here, and apparent continuity and growth in the eastern periphery, especially at Barker Gate and Goose Gate, where the urban poor and migrants appear to have found homes in cottages, following the arrival of plague, challenges the traditional narrative and proves that areas of the town were more densely occupied than previously thought, especially during the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
The research not only rewrites a part of Nottingham’s history, but it also has implications for our understanding of population change in other English towns and cities, and is crucial for interpreting urban development and economic shifts.
The full paper published in Continuity and Change can be found .
Story credits
More information is available from Scott Lomax in the Department of Classics and Archaeology, via scott.lomax@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.