We have the evidence of Chief Justice Fortescue that the labouring class in England was far better off as regards lodging, clothing, and food than the peasantry of France and other countries of Europe. PRICES--1484 Wheat, 5s. 3-¾d. the quarter. | Hen, 2d. Barley, 4s. 1-¼d. | Swan, 2s. 6d. Oats, 2s. 2-½d. | Duck, 2d. Beans, 3s. 8d. | Charcoal, 6s. 5d. the load. Oatmeal, 7d. | Firewood, 1s. 10-½d. the load. Malt, 3s. 10-¼d. | Hurdles, 2s. the dozen. Hay, 2s. 2d. the load. | Salt, 4s. 8d. the quarter. Wool, 5s. 4d. the ton. | Tiles, 6s. 10d. the 1,000. Ox, 10s. | Bricks, 6s. 8d. the 1,000. Calf, 3s. | Gascony wine, 9s. 8-½d. the dozen Sheep, 1s. 4d. | gallons. Pig, 5s. 4d. | Sugar, 19s. the dozen pounds. Horse, 60s. | Pepper, 15s. " " Capon, 3d. | Currants, 2s. 4d. " " Goose, 1d. | Wages--Carpenter 6d. per day, 3s. a week, £9 2s. 6d. a year. Tiler 6d. " Unskilled 4d. " 2s. " [1] Thorold Rogers. [2] The enclosure grievance was just beginning to be felt. [3] The second edition was brought out by Wynkyn de Worde in 1496. [4] It was created by Richard III. in 1484. [5] The 'pale' in heraldry. {124} CHAPTER X REIGN OF KING RICHARD III King Richard was a young man in his thirtieth year when he came to the throne. During the previous ten years he had acquired considerable administrative experience, and had shown himself to possess ability, powers of application, and resolution. He was extremely popular in the north of England, where he had generally resided. Young Richard was not tall, of slight build, with one shoulder a little higher than the other, but not so much as to be noticeable or to cause weakness. He was a formidable adversary in battle. The portrait at Windsor is so remarkable that it must have been taken from life. The eyes are a little closed, and give a thoughtful, almost dreamy look. The other features are regular. The lips thin and firm, the chin prominent. The whole expression is that of a thoughtful and earnest man, firm, resolute, and fearless. Dr. Parr remarked on the strong likeness between Richard III. and Lorenzo de' Medici, the Magnificent. His wife Anne inherited great beauty from the Nevills and Beauchamps, but she was fragile and delicate. {125} [Sidenote: The young nephews]