1329

Political Events

The king of Scots Robert I dies of leprosy at Cardross, Dumbartonshire, June 7 at age 54 after a 23-year reign in which he has freed Scotland from English rule; he is buried at Dunfermline Abbey, but he has left instructions that his heart be removed and taken by Sir James Douglas on crusade in Spain (Sir James will be killed, and Robert's heart will be buried at Melrose Abbey). Robert is succeeded by his 5-year-old son, who will reign until 1371 as David II under the regency of Thomas Randolph, 1st earl of Moray (but see 1333).

England's Edward III pays homage to France's Philippe VI for his French fiefs. Flanders, Guienne, and Burgundy remain outside Philippe's control, but the thrones of Provence, Naples, and Hungary are occupied by rulers from the Capetian house of Anjou, the papacy at Avignon is under strong French influence, French culture is dominant in England and northern Spain, and French interests are well entrenched in the Near East.

Denmark's Kristoffer II regains his throne and will hold it until his death in 1332, but a peasant uprising will split the kingdom. Holsteiners will rebel against Danish rule and receive most of the country, Skane will rebel against the count of Holstein, and there will be discord in the Church.

Food And Drink

Wheat sells in England for about 3 shillings per quarter (eight bushels), making the weight of a penny-loaf of white bread three pounds 13 ounces, of a penny wheaten loaf five pounds 12 ounces, of a penny household loaf seven pounds 11 ounces, but since wheat prices vary from place to place the weights of penny loaves also vary. Bakers also sell farthing loaves and half-penny loaves, so while weights are subject to change every 3 months, or whenever local magistrates set an assize, the bakers generally make their loaves slightly heavier than required in order to avoid arrest for overcharging (see 1266; 1709).

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