The Great Famine, which lasted from 1315 to 1317, was a catastrophic event that affected much of Europe due to a combination of adverse weather conditions, including severe rain and a harsh winter, which devastated crops. During this time, the usual food supply chains crumbled, creating drastic shortages that triggered escalating prices and widespread starvation. The agricultural collapse was exacerbated by other issues such as animal disease, resulting in reduced production of meat and milk. The impact was felt universally, with peasants suffering the most, although the crisis extended into the royal courts. On one occasion, Edward II, the King of England, struggled to acquire bread for himself and his court, showcasing that even those in power were not immune to the consequences of the famine. This moment starkly highlighted the social and economic strains that the famine placed on society as a whole.

As resources dwindled, peasants took drastic measures such as foraging and resorting to extreme forms of survival, including cannibalism in some accounts. The Great Famine thus not only caused immediate suffering but also had lasting impacts on the social structure of medieval Europe. The high mortality rates led to labor shortages, forcing changes in open-field agriculture and ultimately leading to improvements in farming techniques later in the century. The effects of the famine reshaped societal norms, as survivors faced dire consequences that led to increased tensions between social classes. The inability of rulers like Edward II to provide for their own people spurred dissent and laid the groundwork for future conflicts within the kingdom.