Historical sources suggest that the Black Death was caused by a combination of factors, including poor sanitation, trade routes, and the spread of the bubonic plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. Medieval towns had overcrowded, unsanitary conditions that facilitated the spread of disease. The Black Death traveled along trade routes from Asia into Europe, making it a pandemic. Some historians argue that fleas on rats were the primary vectors, while others believe that environmental factors also played a role.

The Black Death had profound effects on medieval and early modern Britain. It caused a drastic decline in population, which led to economic changes such as increased wages and a shortage of labor. Social structures were challenged as traditional hierarchies were questioned, and some historians believe it encouraged the decline of feudalism. On a societal level, it led to increased persecution of minority groups and changes in religious practices. The long-term consequences included shifts in land use and the rise of new social attitudes.

The Black Death's long-term impact transformed British society. The population took centuries to recover, leading to changes in land use, with some areas abandoned. Social attitudes shifted towards greater individualism and questioning of traditional authority. The decline of feudalism paved the way for more modern economic systems, and the plague influenced future responses to pandemics and public health.