Invasion, Plague and Murder

Synopsis

The new fourth edition of Invasion, Plague and Murder is Book 1 of the best-selling Oxford KS3 History by Aaron Wilkes series. It covers medieval and early Tudor British history, including Anglo-Saxon England, the Norman Conquest, England's relationship with Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France, medicine and public health, religion and political power. This textbook introduces the history content and skills needed to support a coherent knowledge-rich curriculum, prepares students for success in Key Stage 3 History, and builds solid foundations for GCSE study: - Carefully designed content and assessments support student progression throughout the textbook series - Historical sources and interpretations are presented with clear provenances - Over to you activities for every lesson check students' knowledge and understanding, and are ramped in difficulty to build confidence - Step-by-step guidance on key History skills provides scaffolding to introduce students to the skills needed for further study - Literacy focus feature helps improve students' essay writing skills and grammar - Complete assessment support, including quick knowledge quizzes and exam-style assessments - This textbook retains Aaron Wilkes' unique and engaging style, shown in recent research to inspire and motivate young historians - Invasion, Plague and Murder Kerboodle: Lessons, Resources, Assessment offers a digital subscription packed full of customisable interactives, worksheets, animations and automarked assessments.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Invasion

* Summary: The novel opens in 1347, as the Black Death ravages Europe. English villagers are terrified when they hear reports of an unknown disease killing people in distant lands.
* Real example: The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, killing an estimated 30-60% of the European population. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was likely carried to Europe by rats on merchant ships.

Chapter 2: The Plague

* Summary: The Black Death arrives in England with a vengeance. As the disease spreads rapidly, killing entire villages, chaos and despair reign. People struggle to understand the cause of the plague and how to treat it.
* Real example: The symptoms of the Black Death included fever, chills, swelling of the lymph nodes, and blackening of the skin. Victims typically died within a few days of becoming infected.

Chapter 3: Murder

* Summary: Amidst the chaos of the plague, a series of murders occurs. The victims are all people who were suspected of spreading the disease or who had inherited wealth from others who had died.
* Real example: During the Black Death, there were many instances of violence and scapegoating. People accused others of spreading the disease or of profiting from the deaths of others.

Chapter 4: The Investigation

* Summary: The murders are investigated by Sir John Cranston, a knight and former coroner. Cranston suspects that the killer is someone close to the victims, someone who has a motive for revenge or greed.
* Real example: In medieval England, coroners were responsible for investigating sudden or mysterious deaths. They would hold inquests to gather evidence and determine the cause of death.

Chapter 5: The Suspects

* Summary: Cranston interviews the villagers and examines the evidence, identifying several suspects. These include a greedy merchant, a vengeful widow, and a mysterious physician.
* Real example: In medieval murder trials, suspects were often named by witnesses or through the inquest process. Circumstantial evidence and accusations were often used to support the prosecution's case.

Chapter 6: The Resolution

* Summary: Cranston unravels the connections between the suspects and the victims, piecing together the clues to expose the killer. The truth is revealed, and the murderer is arrested and punished.
* Real example: Medieval justice systems varied greatly, but in general, murderers were punished severely. They could be hanged, drawn, and quartered, or they could be burned at the stake.