The 14th and 15th centuries in England were a transformative period in terms of cultural expression, and one of the most notable forms of artistic output from this era was the folk ballad. These ballads, which were primarily oral in nature, were an essential means for the common people to express their stories, struggles, and beliefs through song. They were performed by traveling minstrels, bards, and everyday people in public spaces, becoming a key part of medieval social life. Folk ballads continued to evolve for centuries, but they were particularly influential during the late Middle Ages.