Money Distilled

A Warning From 1300s England on Wage Controls

Government intervention in prices tends to have negative side effects. 

Junior doctors aren’t the only ones feeling miffed with their pay.

Photographer: Carlos Jasso/Bloomberg
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Welcome to the award-winning Money Distilled newsletter. I’m John Stepek. Every week day I look at the biggest stories in markets and economics, and explain what it all means for your money.

Think you’re having a tough day in the office? Be grateful you’re not a medieval grafter. “Having to work for a wage in the four or so centuries c. 1350 to 1750 was a dystopian nightmare.”