The Mentmores are suppliers of fine cloth to London's social and political elite. The Starres are wealthy silk merchants powerful men in the emergent financial community of the City of London. On the day that Philippa Starre marries John Mentmore a husband chosen for her it seems the two families of merchant princes have been joined in a suitable and pleasing alliance. But the wedding takes place on a day of ominous violence, foreshadowing the explosion of unrest which will reach its bloody climax in the events of June 1381, the Peasants' Revolt