When the black death crept across Europe in the 1400s it killed a third of the population. Fully half those living in England died. The poor succumbed. The rich expired. Relatives inherited and wealth was concentrated into fewer hands. Some looked at the grave markers strewn around them and decided it was time to put their trust in Christ and get right ously to the church. Many of with God. They gave generously to the church. Many of the cathedrals which exist today were built with those funds. Others looked at the death around them, noted the uncertainty of life,